Sonja L. Cyprian

Sonja Lyea Cyprian was born on July 12, 1938, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Dwight and Juanita Soderstrom, where Dwight and his brothers owned and operated the Soderstrom Dairy. Sonja loved growing up in Iowa, where she attended Central High School. She participated in student council, Latin and drama clubs, and was a football cheerleader and member of the Centralettes.

After graduating high school in 1956, Sonja attended the University of Iowa for two years, where she was a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority and the Scottish Highland marching band. Sonja transferred to UNC Greeley and earned a BA in Education in 1960. This is where she met Terry, the love of her life. After earning her degree, Sonja accepted a teaching position at an elementary school in San Francisco. A year later, Sonja accepted a teaching position in Scottsdale, Arizona, hoping the drier climate would alleviate her asthma symptoms.

In 1961, Terry traveled from Denver to Scottsdale where, on one knee, he proposed to Sonja. They were married on June 30, 1961, in front of family and friends in Sioux City. Shortly after, Sonja and Terry moved to Denver, and Sonja accepted a teaching position at Centennial Elementary in Littleton.

Sonja and Terry began their family with the birth of Julie in 1963, and Jeff in 1965. Sonja was very excited with her new role as a devoted and loving Mother. In 1967, the family moved to Green Mountain where they made lifetime friends. The family remained in Green Mountain where Julie and Jeff brought years of laughter and joy to Sonja through the many friends they brought into the Cyprian home. Sonja was happy to open their home to host the kid's slumber parties, birthday bashes, pre-dance photo shoots and many poker games.

Over the years, Sonja enjoyed traveling with friends to New York City, New Orleans, San Diego, Hawaii and various places in Colorado. In addition, Sonja often mentioned how much she "loved" the crazy, family jeep trips over many Colorado mountain passes. Sonja also had fond memories of the time spent in Fraser at the condo they owned together with friends, attending plays at the Denver Performing Arts Center, and evenings visiting and laughing with neighbors, friends, and family in the backyard while listening to their waterfall. Sonja especially loved spending time with her family, particularly the time she shared with her beloved granddaughter, Lauren, at the children's museum, the Denver Zoo, Heritage Square, Wash Park, and most of all reading books during the quiet times. Sonja was so proud of her family and grateful for time spent together.

All these special times with family and friends were a huge part of Sonja's life even though she struggled with severe asthma, which was complicated by the years of medications to control the asthma. Her faith in God was very important to Sonja which gave her strength to deal with the illness throughout her life. She remained incredibly strong and positive throughout her complications, and was very happy to have family with her up to her passing.

Sonja is survived by her brother Doug Soderstrom in Highland Village, TX; daughter Julie, son-in-law Dave, and granddaughter Lauren Harr in Lakewood, CO; son Jeff and daughter-in-law Sharon Cyprian in Conifer, CO; and sister-in-law Janice and brother-in-law Don Abney in Salem, IL.

No services will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates a donation to National Jewish Health at https://www.nationaljewish.org/giving, or by calling 1-800-423-8891, ext. 6560.

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