Sonja Addicks, age 67 of Ocean View, passed away Thursday, April 21, 2022 at Cooper University Medical Center. Sonja passed away suddenly due to complications from a blood clot.

She was a member of St. Nicholas Russian Old Orthodox Church in Millville.

Sonja is survived by her husband of 33 years, Stanley; daughter, Maria Weldon-Lafferty; sons, Maxwell Addicks and his wife Shannon; and Matthew Addicks; grandchild, Ryder Lafferty; mother, Luba Zarakin; sister, Kaya Hennis and nieces & nephews Danny (Latisia) Hennis, Donovan Hennis and Samantha Zarankin). All of whom she loved and touched deeply. We will miss her every day.

She was predeceased by her son, Thomas Weldon, husband, Gary Weldon, father, Pat Zarankin, sister, Lynn Hamilton, brother, Steven Zarankin, brother-in-law, Martin Hamilton, brother-in-law, Dennis Hennis, and nephew, David Hennis.

Sonja grew up in Millville and was the first born of 4 to Patrick and Luba Zarankin and she was the big sister, guardian, and rescuer of all. As a mother, there was no mountain too high for her to climb to protect her children and/or family and friends. She was the first to show up if anyone needed anything, and literally would give the shirt off her back to anyone in need. Her kind heart, and over giving tendency touched so many, and often a stranger, or new clerk at the corner store became a friend by her quick and sassy comments that could make a sailor blush but always make you smile and laugh.

She attended Millville schools and was Millville High School graduate, class of 1973. She worked in hospitality as waitress, bartender and hostess at local restaurants: the Neptune, New York Inn, and Tuckahoe Inn. The hospitality industry suited her servant heart.  She lived by the phrase: "Do what's right and do what's good. Be kind and help others. The world could always use one more kind person". Her life was a living example of Ephesians 4:32 "And be kind and compassionate to each other, and forgiving one another, just as God forgave you in Christ."

Sonja enjoyed collecting antiques, and was a self-taught seamstress who made clothes and dresses and supported her children's hobbies and interests.  She loved animals, dogs & birds. All whom loved her dearly will never forget her tenacity, wit, charm, grace, and undying love and caring for them. She was the strongest woman her daughter ever met and wasn't afraid of anyone or anything. She always spoke her mind, and was known to get the last word in- to loving fault (lol).  She was a fierce Mamma Bear, with intense protectiveness instinct. She was thin and petite but had the strength of 10 men. Small but mighty truly defined her.

She was a gifted, creative artist who could draw, paint, cut, carve, sew, and drill anything to create, or restore a beautiful piece of art. She enjoyed finding forgotten antiques and utilizing them, giving them a little TLC to restore, refurbish, and give a 2nd chance.

Please join us for a celebration of her life at The Elks Lodge, 1815 E. Broad Street, Millville, NJ 08332, on Saturday, May 28, 2022, 11 AM to 3:00 PM. Because our pets give us unconditional love and enrich our lives as her animals, Gizmo, Gadget & Gus have, in lieu of flowers, donations to Ocean City Animal Shelter in Sonja's would be much appreciated.