Sonja Phyllis Maker

MAKER, Sonja. August 20, 2026. Age 88. Loving mother of Pamela Maker (Chris Benson) and David (Marge) Maker. Proud grandmother of Meredith Alyse Benson and Matthew Alexander Benson. Dearest sister of Herb, Sharon, and the late Sylvia. Sonja had a gift for numbers. As a teenager, she worked at the local "dime store" on Detroit's Jefferson Avenue. She fondly recalls waiting on customers at the fountain, where she would total each bill accurately in her head (including tax), much to the chagrin of her supervisor who tried to instill use of the order ticket system. After graduating high school, she worked downtown in the bank's high tech "IBM department" as a key punch operator, took her skills to the Registrar's office at University of Michigan, and excelled in subsequent banking roles. While the kids were in school, Sonja volunteered on the PTA, chaperoned field trips, participated in band booster activities, coordinated swim team snacks, and more. Perhaps most significantly, she was a charter member of the Shelby Garden Club, serving diligently in many roles during her 52 years with the club. Sonja always loved a good time. Over the years she tried everything from couples card nights, to bowling, golf, and even skiing. Sonja especially enjoyed traveling with Dave, her husband of 61 years. They visited family and friends, making it to all 50 states, while wintering in Florida for many years. At Ft. Myers Beach they made several friends from around the country, some of whom they would visit during the “off-season.” She and Dave frequented casinos both locally and out-of-state, where Sonja enjoyed the slot machines...and the buffets, or "boofays" as she called them. More recently at her senior living community, Sonja delighted in the social hours, concerts, casino trips, and twice weekly Bingo games. She was a big movie buff and an excellent teammate when it came to the entertainment category of Trivial Pursuit at family game nights. And she loved to dance! Visitation will take place on Wednesday, August 26th from 10:00am to 11:00am followed by an 11:00am Funeral Service at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons 54880 Van Dyke at 25 Mile Rd. (SHELBY TOWNSHIP). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association, https://www.heart.org/. Share memories with the family at their "On Line Guest Book" @ WujekCalcaterra.com.

Sonja Phyllis Maker

October 14, 1937 - August 20, 2026