Sonja M. Porter

Mrs. Sonja Victoria Mariani Porter, age 87, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2024, in Carmichael, CA. She was born on July 31, 1936, in Komiža, Croatia. Sonja was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, neighbor, and teacher. She is survived by her children – daughter Kathryn Porter Rapperport (Daniel Rapperport), son William L. Porter (Lori Porter), son John Porter (Joanna Porter), daughter Julie Porter Miller (Guy Miller), and Victoria Porter. She was also survived by her grandchildren: Anna Porter Wolf (Chris Wolf), Madeline Butkus (Jeff Butkus), Daniel Porter (Allison Porter), Reed Miller, Leah Porter Rapperport, David Scribner, Luke Scribner, Nick Miller, William D. Porter, Sarah Porter, David Rapperport, Michael Scribner and great-grandson Collin Butkus. She was predeceased by her mother, Cvijeta (Ina) Stanojević), and father, Luka Mariani; her sister, Arlene Kielbasa; her brother, Nick Mariani; and her husband, William E. Porter. Sonja immigrated to the United States in 1940 with her mother to join her father in San Pedro, California. She was naturalized in 1954. She was valedictorian of Mary Star of the Sea High School in San Pedro and won a merit full scholarship to Immaculate Heart College in Hollywood. She met her husband, Bill Porter, during a weekend on Santa Catalina Island. He was a student at the University of Southern California on the G.I. Bill. After graduation, they married and moved to Northern California. The young couple started a family and settled in the Sacramento area. Both worked and managed a busy life with five children and were very active in the various communities that they belonged to. They moved into their last home in Carmichael with their five young children and remained there throughout their lives. They also established vacation homes in Lake Tahoe and Cabo San Lucas and were active in these communities. Their homes were lively centers of activity, and many fundraisers and community events were celebrated in their backyard in Carmichael. While raising five children and working full-time as a teacher, Sonja also earned a master’s degree in education from California State University, Sacramento, in 1972. Her thesis was on Teaching Gifted Children. She pioneered team teaching and a special marine biology program that culminated in an annual class trip to Mendocino. She was beloved by her students at Dewey Elementary, Sierra Oaks Elementary, and Will Rogers Middle School and received numerous awards for teaching. She also chaired curriculum committees at Sierra Oaks. Sonja and Bill spent many years raising children and participating in various forms of community service. The couple were among the founders of St. John the Evangelist Parish and School. Sonja was also active in her children’s high schools and enjoyed participating in Mercy Melodies and Jesuit Spring Fling each year. Sonja also worked with her husband Bill, supporting his political and charitable interests and traveling with him to community and Republican party events. They also hosted students from Mexico who studied at local colleges. Sonja retired after 32 years of teaching. During her retirement, she enjoyed traveling, including several trips to Croatia, completing crossword puzzles, entertaining her grandchildren, and gardening. Sonja was an active member of the Sacramento Rotary Club Inner Wheel, serving as a member and officer. She was also a member of the Retired Teachers Association and organized and hosted numerous events for women’s and children’s charities. Sonja passed away after a long illness and was supported in this journey by Fane Ofahenghaue, well-known as Ofa, who provided full-time care for her over the last three years. Their friendship was a great source of comfort for Sonja and her family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Friday, February 23, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 5701 Locust Ave, Carmichael, CA 95608. The family will host a reception celebrating Sonja’s life at the Tralee Center at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Parish immediately after the service. A private interment will be held on Monday.