Remembering Board Secretary Sonja Jackson
Posted: Friday, January 6th, 2023
Sonja C. Jackson lived an active life in her beloved community of Pacific Grove. She was born on September 20, 1947 in Malden, MA and passed away on January 1, 2023.
In her early days on the Peninsula, Sonja worked for the Federal Civil Service.
During the 1970’s, Sonja and her husband, “J”, purchased their home in Pacific Grove. In those early years when Sonja’s vision began to fail, J began painting their home with colorful and artful butterflies. J continued with this project, and, soon their home became known as “The PG Butterfly House” and is still of interest to visitors.
During the 1990’s, Sonja’s failing vision brought her to the Blind and Visually Impaired Center for Monterey County. Soon, she was elected to the Board of Directors where she served several years as Secretary to the Board. She also participated in group activities there, including a support group for those with ailing vision. She was the first in the group to acquire a Guide Dog, named “Melanie”! When Melanie could no longer guide, she was given “Pine,” a yellow Labrador Retriever. Pine met many in our community as she guided Sonja in her neighborhood.
Sadly, on New Year’s Day, Sonja died of complications from an earlier stroke. She was preceded in death by her husband, J, her parents, as well as her brother and sister.
A memorial service will be held at Paul’s Mortuary, 390 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove, on Tuesday, January 17, at 11:00 a.m.
Gifts of remembrance can be made to Guidedogs for the Blind in San Rafael, CA, The Blind and Visually Impaired Center for Monterey County, Peace of Mind Dog Rescue in Pacific Grove, or to Meals on Wheels of the Monterey Peninsula, Pacific Grove.