Sonja Width Quinn

Like so many ships before it, the Berginsfjord passed the familiar effigy of Lady Liberty on its way through the Upper New York Bay to the US Immigration Port on Ellis Island. For more than a week the ship had braved the cold Atlantic Ocean as it traveled west from Bergen, Norway to the New Country. On February 3rd, 1924 a three year old Sonja Gunvor Ruth Width (Quinn) debarked the vessel along with her mother, Jenny (Ofhelie Nilsen) age 29, and her two siblings Reidar (Pat) age 6, and Henry age 4. Sonja’s father Nils August Width had traveled aboard the ship Leviathan to America in September of the previous year where he worked in the states as a builder and architect for the Sears, Roebuck and Company’s Modern Homes program.

Upon her arrival it would be discovered that Sonja and her family had contracted German measles in route and would spend until February 18th in quarantine at the Ellis Island Hospital. After that Sonja would become another special ingredient in the Great American Melting Pot. She would live through Scarlett Fever, the Great Depression, and a World War. Sonja met Edwin George Quinn while she was working in a jewelry shop in New York City. Edwin served as a Chief Motor Machinist’s Mate for the United States Coast Guard during World War II, and the two were soon married. And on January 28th, 1946 Sonja would become a citizen of the United States of America. All of these are simply highlights of an amazing centurion who would continue to see more world changing events during her life than most will ever encounter.

Sonja and Edwin would raise two children, Edwin (Ed) George Quinn IV and Patricia Ruth Quinn. She would enjoy traveling to many parts of the world during their time together. Shortly after her husband Edwin died in 1974 she would move with Patricia’s family south from New Jersey to Georgia. After a few years living in Roswell, Georgia, she packed her bags again and moved to Crystal River, Florida. There she was active in the community and joined the Lioness Club where she served as president for two terms.

She moved to the small town of Shannon, Georgia in the late 90’s where she worked at the post office and became a very active member, leader, and teacher at the Shannon United Methodist Church. Later in her life after moving to Wildwood, Florida Sonja became known as “The Bible Lady.” For many happy years she sat at a small table at the Wildwood Farmers Market and gave away free Bibles and lollypops to everyone who passed her way. She also took prayer requests and was an avid prayer warrior. The Lord blessed her to share Bibles in many of the local establishments, with city and county officers, and in the county jail. During her last years she taught a Bible study at her apartment complex and volunteered twice a month at Caring Hands ministry on Hall Street. “Sone’s Corner,” as her spot at Caring Hands was know, was a place for free Bibles and inspirational material, prayer requests, and simply a place to stop by and talk. One can only imagine the number of souls who were blessed, encouraged, and enlightened by her simple and obedient way of sharing the love of Jesus through a Bible, a smile and genuine love.

On October 31st, 2020 Sonja Width Quinn joined that Great Cloud of Witnesses as she passed from this earth to glory. While she had hoped to be healed from a heart condition and continue her ministry, she had full confidence in the Healer and peace in His will. Her last days were spent with family and friends and included a 100 year birthday celebration, prayer times for missionaries, a pedicure outing with her granddaughter, solving Jeopardy questions, many cookies, and tranquil naps on a favorite chair. Sonja left this world in peace, surrounded by many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Because of her the world is a sweeter place, as is every person who ever met her.

Sonja is survived by her Daughter, Patricia Ruth Muscarella; her three Grandsons, their spouses and children; Adam and Angelique Hayes (Tanner, Jack, Lydia) of Roswell, GA, Aaron and Dawn Hayes (Jeremiah, Christian, Tyler) of Rome, GA, and Abe and Kelly Hayes (Jackson, Hayley) of Suwanee, GA. She is also survived by her loving older brother, Henry Width, of New Jersey and her younger sister and best friend, Lee Connor, of Florida.

A service will be held Sunday, November 15th, 2020, at 2:00 at the Gilliam Street Apartment Community Center, 500 Gilliam Street Apartment G-4, Wildwood, Florida.

In leu of flowers, please make donations to Caring Hands, 307 Hall Street, Wildwood, FL 34785 (352-748-2553).