Sonya Lynne Stringer (Englis) passed away peacefully the morning of November 1, 2025. Born November 15, 1941 in Eureka, she lived in Humboldt County her entire life. She attended elementary and high school in Arcata.

Her freshman year of high school, she spotted Mike Stringer across the quad at lunchtime and told her girlfriend; I’m going to be going steady with him. They were married a week before she graduated from Arcata High School on June 06, 1959.

In 1961 they welcomed son Steve, followed by daughter Kris in 1963. They lived in Fortuna and Eureka. In 1981 they found their dream property on three acres out in Freshwater on the creek. Together they developed it into a paradise, spending every day off and vacation building fences, laying cement, landscaping and gardening. Both retiring from Safeway, in 1995 and 2000, they enjoyed a wonderful life there for the last 43 years.

Known by Sunny, she was nicknamed at a very early age because of her good nature and cheerful disposition; she always looked at the bright side of everything and could find something good in everyone. Her smile truly did light up a room, making everyone feel warm and welcome. She was kind, generous, fun, optimistic, selfless, accepting, resilient and forgiving. She had a spunky spirit, quiet strength and a true dedication to family. We all enjoyed her special way of storytelling. Sunny’s faith and belief in God were woven throughout her life in the way she lived and treated people. She was an extraordinary person who lived a remarkably humble and simple life. Sunny loved animals too, especially dogs. When she was five she took all her allowance, walked a few blocks to the pet store and brought home a puppy.

As a family, they enjoyed fishing, camping, cutting firewood up at the family property in Dinsmore, a historic trip to Disneyland in a motor home down the Monterey Coast and many family gatherings. She even tried golf once because Mike liked it so much ! She cherished every visit with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, especially Christmas time. She loved all the pictures and videos her grandchildren would often send of the great grandchildren. She was very proud of her grandchildren and valued their relationships. She loved sharing their latest accomplishments, pictures and videos with other family members and her closest friends. Sunny and her best friend since kindergarten, Rita Madison, enjoyed getting away together every couple of years to Reno or Las Vegas for a Girl’s Getaway. Rita and her family were part of the family. They remained close like sisters until their passing; only a week apart.

Mike and Sunny’s 70-year love story continued until the day she passed. The caption under Mike’s senior picture in the yearbook read : One Woman Man. His love and adoration for her was unceasing. The life they had together was nurtured by mutual respect, hard work, fun, family and love. During her short illness, she remained gracious, selfless and ever optimistic. After her last radiation treatment, the radiologist asked her if she wanted to ring the bell. She said No, not until it’s gone. She accepted Jesus a couple months before she passed away. We have peace and joy knowing she’s with God. We know she’s ringing that bell in Heaven !

She is survived by her husband Mike, of 66 years. Her sisters Llana and Gary Thompson, Lee Ann Wonnacott and brother Leonard and Ellen Wonnacott. Brothers-in-law Bill Stringer, Brian and Sue Stringer, sister in law Kathy Stringer, Her son Steve and Teresa Stringer, daughter Kris Pastori, grandchildren Cari and Braulio Escareno, Michael and Angela Sanders, Cory and Alex Sanders, Joe Stringer, Jessica and Ben Coombs, Jill Kelly, James and Hayley Pastori, great-grandchildren Damien Escareno, Anakin Stringer, Nicholas Sanders, Jackson, Callum, Joanna and Clarissa Coombs, Tayler and Jaina Stephens, Ashlynne and Teegan Kelly, Dawsyn, Rye and Lucy Pastori, and Aunt Nancy MacGowan.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Lyrle Englis; father- and mother-in-law Ross and Marguerite Stringer; brother-in-law Patrick Stringer; and best friend of 78 years, Rita Madison.

Sunny’s family would like to thank her entire wonderful medical care team, who cared for her tirelessly with affection, respect and excellence. Special thanks to her entire palliative team at Madrone Care and everyone at Hospice of Humboldt.

No services will be held. You are welcome to donate to Hospice of Humboldt in her memory or serve at a local animal shelter.