Sonya Marie Oestermeyer

Sonya Marie Oestermeyer (nee Kraynak), age 82, of Vermilion, Ohio passed away at The Cleveland Clinic Sunday, October 16,  2022, lovingly surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Affectionately known as “Mom,” “Grandma O,” and “Aunt Sam,”.

Sonya was born on February 25, 1940, to Mary (Lutsock) and George Kraynak in Urey, Pennsylvania. She is survived by her son Scot (Amy) Hafko of Rocky River; daughter Melanie Hafko of Vermilion; stepchildren,  Katie Oestermeyer Kosobud (Kevin), and Caroline Oestermeyer;  grandchildren, Alyssa (Trevor) Kudrna, Kellie (Paul) Dellinger, Alexander Hafko, Devin Hafko, Sabrina Hafko, Erica Hafko, and Michael Hafko; and her great grandchildren, Everette Dellinger, Paige Dellinger, Mabel Kudrna, and Hannah Kudrna; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Dr. Carl F. Oestermeyer, III; sisters, Charlotte (Kraynak) Stickney, and Elizabeth (Kraynak) Marino; and her brothers Thomas, Robert, William, George, Rudolph, George Robert, and Richard Kraynak.

Sonya was the first person in her family to earn a college degree, overcoming many obstacles to do so. She graduated with a master’s degree in nursing from Baldwin Wallace University while she was in her 50’s. She practiced as a nurse at the Veterans Administration in Sandusky, OH where she counseled hundreds of veterans, helping them overcome addiction and PTSD.

Those who knew her cannot ever remember her raising her voice in anger. She was happy go-lucky and kept a positive attitude until her last day. She had a bright spirit, loved to dance, and focused on her family. While she adored and cherished all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, she shared a very special relationship with her grandson Michael, for whom she was a caregiver. She defied stereotypes and drove a black mustang convertible with aplomb. She had a lead foot, and a big heart. Her family and friends are deeply saddened she departed this life so soon when she had so much life left in her. She surely has Motown playing at full blast in heaven, and even the angels are dancing with her.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 27, 2022 from 1 pm until the time of the memorial service at 3 pm at Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio. Pastor Matthew Guertin will officiate. Private interment will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery, Vermilion.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Ohio Veteran Home Sandusky 3416 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, OH 44870.

Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.