Obituary of Sonja Naves

The death of Sonja (Gabriel) Naves, widow of Bill Naves, occurred in Saint John on Friday October 11th, 2013 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born in Saint John, she was the daughter of the late Arthur Joseph and Sadie Louise (Butts) Gabriel. As well as her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Arthur Thomas Gabriel. Sonja lived in the City all of her life and was educated in local schools. She was employed by the Department of Nursing at the former Provincial Hospital, later known as Centracare, retiring in 1995 after 40 years of service. She enjoyed many sports especially hockey, held a black belt in Judo and had been an instructress for over 20 years at the Shimpokai Judo Club. She is survived by numerous cousins and numerous long-time treasured friends with whom she enjoyed spending time. Sonja was the last surviving member of her immediate family. At her request there will be no visitation. Following cremation, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Assumption church, on Wednesday October 16, 2013 12:00pm. A reception will be held at the Assumption Center immediately following the service. Interment will take place in the family lot at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Funeral arrangements are in the care of Castle Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Avenue, Saint John, NB E2M 2L3. Online condolences can be made at www.castlefh.com