Relief Society

A Farewell to Sonja Taylor

by Luiza Chan

Sonja Taylor has been a beloved member of the San Francisco Stake community for many decades, and she is now leaving the area.

She was born 86 years ago in the Franklin Hospital of San Francisco and attended Sherman Elementary School, Marina Junior High, Horace Mann Junior High, and Lowell High School. She later graduated from San Francisco State College with an Elementary Teaching Credential and went on to teach for more than 30 years in San Francisco schools, working with students ranging from kindergarten to high school, including those at Juvenile Hall and Log Cabin Ranch. In addition to her classroom career, she gave private piano lessons.

Though she lived in different wards over the years, Sonja has always lived within the San Francisco Stake. Her early years were spent in the old San Francisco Ward on Hayes Street, followed by her teen years in the Mission Ward. Fifty-eight years ago she began attending the Sunset Ward, where she raised her six children—Vincent, Leonard, Corinne, Jonathan, Julia, and Malia. During that time, her oldest son left to serve a mission in Peru.

Because the Sunset Ward building served as the Stake Center for many years, Sonja has many memories that reach back even before she moved into the ward. She recalls arriving with her family an hour early for Stake Conference in order to sit in the soft theater seats that existed before the building was remodeled. She also remembers the presence of general authorities in almost every stake conference, as there were significantly fewer stakes in the early years.

Some memories stand out especially brightly. She recalls the summer musicals produced by Sister Jean Lauper every year. The musicals were performed in our ward building with a raised stage, red velvet curtains , and plushy theater seats.  She once sang in the chorus of The Gondoliers (Gilbert and Sullivan). People who saw the show said the production rivaled those professional performances downtown. She also treasures the Sunday when her twin babies, Jonathan and Julia, were blessed, and her oldest son was confirmed. Overcome with emotion while at the organ without a handkerchief, she gratefully accepted a box of Handiwipes from Sister Albrecht, the chorister.

Sonja is a great musician. She plays the organ and the piano in church meetings, and sings a beautiful alto part in the choir. Not only does she serve her own ward, but she also provides accompaniment for the Spanish Ward and the Chinese Branch.

What I admire most about Sonja is her dedication to her friends. It is not uncommon for elderly sisters in the ward to move to more suitable living accommodations quite a distance from expensive San Francisco. Whenever possible Sonja would drive miles to visit these sisters. Her easy and unassuming manner brings comfort and warmth to those she visits.

My own family has also been a direct beneficiary of her musical talents. She taught my three children piano. Though none of them became piano virtuosos, all their lives have been enriched by a love of music in various ways.

Sonja’s deep love for her faith, her family, and her community has been felt by all who know her. As she embarks on a new adventure, we wish her health, friendships, and happiness.