Sonja L Jaquays, 74, of Utica, passed away Monday December 22, 2025 at MVHS Rehabilitation & Nursing Center with her loving family by her side.

Sonja was born in Utica on March 15, 1951 to the late Oliver and Helene Duff. Sonja loved playing cards, dice games, spending time with friends and family, and her feline grandbabies, Lexi and Rylie. She also enjoyed watching movies, Law & Order, listening to music and singing.

Sonja is survived by her daughter, Gina Janicke and her partner, Karen Froelich of Yorkville. She was predeceased by her son, Chuckie Janicke in 2024 and is his survived by his wife, Kathy Janicke of Yorkville; son, Todd and his wife, Dawn Janicke of Whitesboro; and her son Troy Janicke of Utica.

She also leaves her grandchildren, Frankie and Ashley Jewett, Steven, Kayla, Jade, Tianna, Todd, Amber, and Brennan Janicke, Julia Suprunchik, Marissa Inman, and Dana, Joey, and Shawn Kimball. Several great grandchildren; a special great granddaughter, Serenity Malone; and her sisters, JeanAnn Latray and Janie Marsden; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by three brothers and three sisters.

A special thank you to her ex-husband, Chuck Janicke and her ex-sister-in-law, Debbie Huddleston for the visits and treats.

In keeping with her wishes, there will be no services at this time.

A limb has fallen from our family tree that says "grieve not for me" remember the best times, the laughter, the song. The good life I lived when I was strong.

Arrangements are with the Mark C. Bentz Funeral Service, Inc., New Hartford.