Irene Sonja Chamberlain

Irene Sonja Chamberlain, 85, formerly of Green Street, Weedsport, passed away Monday, June 24, 2024 at Auburn Community Hospital. Born February 13, 1939 in Syracuse, she was the daughter of the late John Reust and Mathilde Schaubeck Reust. Sonja attended Le Moyne Elementary School and Grant Jr. High, before graduating from Phoenix Central Schools. 

A lover of music, she began playing the piano at the age of four, participated in her first recital at five and played solo in concert at age ten. Sonja furthered her education, studying music at Potsdam State Teachers College, majoring in piano with a minor in voice and violin. She taught and accompanied children in NYSSMA with the Weedsport and Port Byron school districts, was musical director for Weedsport Musicals, offered piano lessons in Baldwinsville and Phoenix, and was choir director and played piano at the Phoenix Methodist Church as well as the Little Utica Methodist Church. Civically minded, Sonja was active in the Lysander Fire Dept. Aux., Little Utica Birthday Club, Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts.

Following her marriage to Ward Chamberlain in 1974, she moved to Weedsport where she was a member of the Weedsport Fireman's Aux., the Weedsport Methodist Church and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for over forty years.  Together they enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and Canada.  Their favorite place to go was Nova Scotia, where they made several friends.  Sonja was also an Elections Inspector for many years, a Life member of the Old Brutus Historical Society and a member of the NYS Fiddle's Association.. 

She is survived by her children, Brenda Weller Vanacore (Richard) of Weedsport, Tammi Weller Russell of Baldwinsville and Brian Weller of Baldwinsville; grandchildren Zachary Suslik, Brandon Suslik (Morgan), Mary Suslik, Ashley Skinner, Donny Evans, Jacob Weller (Kali), Mandie Weller and Josh, Ryan and Brandon Vanacore and several great grandchildren. 

Along with her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Ward Chamberlain, daughter-in-law Patti Weller and son-in-law Fred Russell.

Although she leaves behind a profound sense of loss, the stories, the lessons and the love she leaves behind will never fade.  Sonja’s memory will be forever treasured by her surviving family, friends and all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Calling hours will be conducted Monday, July 1, 2024 from 10:00 am to Noon in the White Chapel Funeral Home, 2719 Erie Drive, Weedsport. Following calling hours, Sonja's life with be celebrated at Noon in the funeral home. Private interment in Weedsport Rural Cemetery, will be held at the convenience of the family. 

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Finger Lakes Center for the Living, as well as the Auburn Community Hospital ICU, for the tremendous care shown towards Sonja. 

An avid lover of animals, contributions may be made in her memory to an animal shelter in your area. 

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