- Date Of Birth: September 11, 1982
- Date Of Death: February 14, 2020
- State: Colorado
Sonja Rose Nelson, 37, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2020, at Hope West Hospice, Grand Junction, CO. Sonja was surrounded by her loving family and the caring hospice staff of HopeWest. Sonja fought a courageous 18 month battle against cancer—being presented with the next treatment options, her reply was always, “bring it on, let’s do this”! Sonja, in her words, “just wanted to spend one more day with the people she loved”.
Sonja Rose Nelson was born on September 11, 1982 to Neal and Jennifer (Rau) Nelson in Ipswich, SD.
In 2010 Sonja moved to Denver, Colorado. While in Denver she worked for Buffalo Wild Wings where she met her husband Alex. In 2011, they moved to Palisade, CO and she worked for Garfield Estates in the tasting room. On November 1, 2013, Mathias Nelson Kllanxhja was born to Sonja & Alex in Grand Junction, CO. In 2015 Sonja, Alex and Matti moved to Durango. In August 2018, Sonja was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. They moved their family to Grand Junction where Sonja received wonderful medical care and they were surrounded by family support. On January 28, 2020, Sonja transferred to Hope West Hospice and received the most amazing care. Sonja and Alex were married on January 31, 2020 at Hope West, Grand Junction, CO.
Sonja’s smile could light up a room and she will be remembered for her humor. She was a wordsmith and it was reflected in her texts, cards, and her social media presence.
Sonja is survived by her loving husband Alexander Kllanxhja and 6 year old son Mathias Nelson Kllanxhja, Grand Junction, CO, her parents Jenny & Neal Nelson, Sisseton, brother & sister-in-law Ross & Aubrey Nelson, Tokyo, Japan; sister Lana Nelson, Minneapolis and nephews Roman, Jude and niece Emily Nelson. Grandmother Lila Rau, Sisseton. Aunt & Uncle—Pam & Marshall Seefeldt, Clark, SD,Uncle & Aunt—Randy & Kate Rau, Casper, WY, Uncle & Aunt—Morris & Cathy Nelson, Hot Springs, SD, lots of cousins.
Mother & Father-In-Law Karen Kllanxhja & Mike O’Boyle, Sister -In-Law Cecily Kllanxhja and Fiance Nick Salazar and Grandmother Fausta O’Boyle.
Upon Sonja’s death she joined her paternal grandparents Carter and Geneve Nelson, Maternal Grandfather Ervin Rau, Aunt Eunice Nelson, Cousin Jason Nelson and Grandfather Tish (Baba) Kllanxhja.
So many thanks are extended to the wonderful medical team at the Pavilion for their loving care through Sonja’s battle. Thanks are also extended to the staff at Hope West for her excellent care. And so much gratitude to the families from Holy Family School & Coyote Hockey for showing their love and support these past weeks.
