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Sonja Massey passed away peacefully on April 8th, 2017, in Issaquah, Washington, at age 75, with her family close by. Sonja was born in Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii, shortly before Pearl Harbor, to "E.S." and Madelyn Mollenhoff. She attended Punahou School in Honolulu where she was proud of the fact that she was one the few "13's," those who had attended Punahou for 13 years; from kindergarten through graduation from high school. Her "Class of 59" was also the one that welcomed Hawaii into statehood. After graduation, while studying at the University of California, Berkley, she married Tom Conger, a Punahou graduate and Army officer. During her husband's tour in Germany she contributed many hours of volunteer work as well as developing proficiency in the German language. This marriage gave her three children, Julia, born in Germany; Rand, and Jim, born in Honolulu. Later, in Honolulu, and now a single mother of three, Sonja continued to display the drive, dedication, and loving devotion to her children and others, that played a major role throughout her life. Working in the real estate field she obtained real estate licenses, as well as securities and brokerage licenses that would serve her in her ultimate field of helping people as a Certified Financial Planner. In 1977, Sonja met Cdr. Scott Massey, a naval officer recently transferred to Pearl Harbor; they were married in 1978 in Honolulu. Scott brought three children into the family, Andrea, Richard and Christopher. So true to Sonja's character, she welcomed these three; lovingly, unequivocably, and completely into her family. During their time on Oahu Sonja, Scott, and sometimes recalcitrant children would spend many weekends big-game fishing offshore. This time was highlighted by Sonja's landing a 500 pound blue marlin. Sonja, Scott, and family moved to central Washington in 1982, residing Cashmere; later moving to Fall City, Washington in 1989. She worked as a Certified Financial Planner for over a decade. She was active in the local community, serving six years on the board of the Snoqualmie Valley Senior Center, and served as chairman for their annual plant sale. Sonja loved children, and was always anxious to visit a local school, whether it be in Fall City, South Africa, or Vietnam. One who loved to travel, after she retired in 2006, she and Scott took advantage of many opportunities; traveling throughout Europe and Southeast Asia, as well as South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Myanmar, and exotic Borneo. Sonja and Scott were blessed with many grandchildren; Sydney and CJ Evans, Sam and Maile Conger, Finn Conger, CC and Desi Shaw, and Diego and Julieta Massey. Their Fall City home served as a home base for the extended family, with many summers and holiday seasons filled with the sounds of laughter and happy, energetic grandchildren. Sonja was blessed with a warm, loving, personality; she was naturally beautiful, in body, smile and soul. She is remembered as an incredibly inclusive person, with openness and sincerity. She wanted to include everyone, embracing, yet not dominating. An inveterate hostess, as well as an accomplished amateur chef; she would turn out spectacular meals, with seemingly effortless ease. She was loved by those who met her and will be missed by all. Sonja is survived by her husband Scott; children Julia Lee Evans of San Antonio, Texas; Andrea Shaw of Woodside, California; Rand Conger of Seattle, Washington; Richard Massey of Los Angeles, California; Jim Conger of Rancho Santa Margarita, California, and Christopher Massey of London, England, and siblings Karen White of San Antonio, Texas; Jim Mollenhoff of Dallas, Texas; and Molly Light of Rio Medina, Texas. She is predeceased by her parents, "E.S." and Madelyn Mollenhoff. The family would like to thank all of those at the Swedish Cancer Center, Issaquah Campus who cared for her in her final illness. Their warmth and caring through a difficult struggle was greatly appreciated. Sonja will be inurned in the National Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl, Honolulu, Hawaii) in a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers or other gifts of remembrance, please consider a donation in her name to a charity of your choice; the American Cancer Society; or the Snoqualmie Valley Senior Center (www.snovalleysenior.org).
Sonja Massey passed away peacefully on April 8th, 2017, in Issaquah, Washington, at age 75, with her family close by. Sonja was born in Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii, shortly before Pearl Harbor, to "E.S." and Madelyn Mollenhoff. She attended Punahou School in Honolulu where she was proud of the fact that she was one the few "13's," those who had attended Punahou for 13 years; from kindergarten through graduation from high school. Her "Class of 59" was also the one that welcomed Hawaii into statehood. After graduation, while studying at the University of California, Berkley, she married Tom Conger, a Punahou graduate and Army officer. During her husband's tour in Germany she contributed many hours of volunteer work as well as developing proficiency in the German language. This marriage gave her three children, Julia, born in Germany; Rand, and Jim, born in Honolulu. Later, in Honolulu, and now a single mother of three, Sonja continued to display the drive, dedication, and loving devotion to her children and others, that played a major role throughout her life. Working in the real estate field she obtained real estate licenses, as well as securities and brokerage licenses that would serve her in her ultimate field of helping people as a Certified Financial Planner. In 1977, Sonja met Cdr. Scott Massey, a naval officer recently transferred to Pearl Harbor; they were married in 1978 in Honolulu. Scott brought three children into the family, Andrea, Richard and Christopher. So true to Sonja's character, she welcomed these three; lovingly, unequivocably, and completely into her family. During their time on Oahu Sonja, Scott, and sometimes recalcitrant children would spend many weekends big-game fishing offshore. This time was highlighted by Sonja's landing a 500 pound blue marlin. Sonja, Scott, and family moved to central Washington in 1982, residing Cashmere; later moving to Fall City, Washington in 1989. She worked as a Certified Financial Planner for over a decade. She was active in the local community, serving six years on the board of the Snoqualmie Valley Senior Center, and served as chairman for their annual plant sale. Sonja loved children, and was always anxious to visit a local school, whether it be in Fall City, South Africa, or Vietnam. One who loved to travel, after she retired in 2006, she and Scott took advantage of many opportunities; traveling throughout Europe and Southeast Asia, as well as South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Myanmar, and exotic Borneo. Sonja and Scott were blessed with many grandchildren; Sydney and CJ Evans, Sam and Maile Conger, Finn Conger, CC and Desi Shaw, and Diego and Julieta Massey. Their Fall City home served as a home base for the extended family, with many summers and holiday seasons filled with the sounds of laughter and happy, energetic grandchildren. Sonja was blessed with a warm, loving, personality; she was naturally beautiful, in body, smile and soul. She is remembered as an incredibly inclusive person, with openness and sincerity. She wanted to include everyone, embracing, yet not dominating. An inveterate hostess, as well as an accomplished amateur chef; she would turn out spectacular meals, with seemingly effortless ease. She was loved by those who met her and will be missed by all. Sonja is survived by her husband Scott; children Julia Lee Evans of San Antonio, Texas; Andrea Shaw of Woodside, California; Rand Conger of Seattle, Washington; Richard Massey of Los Angeles, California; Jim Conger of Rancho Santa Margarita, California, and Christopher Massey of London, England, and siblings Karen White of San Antonio, Texas; Jim Mollenhoff of Dallas, Texas; and Molly Light of Rio Medina, Texas. She is predeceased by her parents, "E.S." and Madelyn Mollenhoff. The family would like to thank all of those at the Swedish Cancer Center, Issaquah Campus who cared for her in her final illness. Their warmth and caring through a difficult struggle was greatly appreciated. Sonja will be inurned in the National Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl, Honolulu, Hawaii) in a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers or other gifts of remembrance, please consider a donation in her name to a charity of your choice; the American Cancer Society; or the Snoqualmie Valley Senior Center (www.snovalleysenior.org).
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
