Sonya "Sunny" Marie (Tallakson) Murphy

Sonya Marie (Tallakson) Murphy of Laporte, MN passed away peacefully at May Creek Memory Care Cottages on Wednesday, July 26, 2023.

Sonya was born in Sioux City, IA and grew up in Grand Forks and Fargo, ND before attending Concordia College in Morehead, MN. She was a featured soloist in the Concordia Choir and toured with them in the US and Europe. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree, she taught English, French, and Music at various schools before receiving her Master’s and Education Specialist degrees in counseling and vocational education. At that point, she turned her attention to a lifelong career in counseling students in technical colleges, women entering the workforce, and families impacted by divorce or trauma. Helping others to be their best selves was something she strived to do every day.

Sonya married John Foss during her collegiate years and had three children. She later married Robert Murphy which created a decades long devotion to the Green Bay Packers as well as an appreciation for Ireland! She and Bob retired to Kabekona Lake in the early 90s - a place much cherished throughout her life. She also enjoyed many winters in Orange Beach, AL where she could listen to the surf every day.

Sonya would like to be remembered as someone who loved, laughed, and learned. She demonstrated her love of family, friends, and community in many ways. She enjoyed hosting parties, organizing family gatherings, planning dining adventures, and many pontoon cruises. Active membership in the Kabekona Lake Association, Kabekona Lake Foundation, Kabekona Singers, Befrienders and church choir kept her very busy in her later years. She was also a fierce cheerleader at any and all events that featured her grandchildren and great-grandchildren - and was known as their beloved “Mana”.

Sonya is preceded in death by her son, Mark Foss; brother, Joe Tallakson; cousin, LaVonne Sorenson; and her husband, Robert Murphy. She is survived by daughters, Cindy (Matt) Lee Pasquarella and Juleah Foss; grandchildren, Katie (David) Borland, RJ Lee and Micaelah (Roderic) Hill; great-grandchildren, Cooper, Oliver, and Lennox Borland; brother, Dan (Wanda) Tallakson; sister, Ruth Tallakson; other family members and friends.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the staff at May Creek and St. Joseph’s Health Hospice Care for their loving and focused care of our mom during these last years.

A memorial service for Sonya will be at Hope Lutheran Church on Saturday, August 26th. Visitation at 1:00 pm followed by a 2:00 pm service. Pastor Matthew McWaters will officiate. Urn bearers are all of Sonya’s grandchildren, Katie Borland, RJ Lee, and Micaelah Hill. Honorary urn bearers are all of Sonya’s great-grandchildren, Cooper, Oliver, and Lennox Borland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Kabekona Lake Foundation, the Alzheimer’s Association, or an organization of your choice.

Sonya’s care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, MN. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.northernpeace.com

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