We Remember
SOMMERFELD, Monica Anita
December 15, 1977 — June 18, 2022
It is with broken hearts we announce the passing of our dear sweet sister, daughter, mother, Oma, and friend, Monica, on June 18, 2022, at the age of 44. She had been battling a lung infection along with trying to figure out some issues with chronic pain. She spent a couple of days in the ICU prior to her passing. Her body was just too tired and she found her way to Jesus.
Monica was born on December 15, 1977, in Kelowna, BC, where she spent the majority of her life. She is predeceased by her mother, Gloria (d. 2007). She is survived by her father, Herbert; her children Josh and Kaylee (Trace); grandson Temper; her older sisters, Karen (Ed, Caleb, and Simon) and Tanya (Tyler, Isaiah, Nyomi, Ben, Anaiya, Olivia, Gloriana, and Narini) and older brother Herb.
Anyone who knew Monica knew she was the first person to jump into action if someone expressed a need, an ear to listen, or a shoulder to cry on. She also loved the Lord and showed His love through her generous, caring heart. We will never forget her infectious laugh and her ability to bless others.
The family would like to thank the Kelowna General Hospital ICU staff for their care and compassion, and family and friends for their outpouring of love and support.
There will be a Memorial Service to celebrate Monica’s life on Monday, June 27, 2022, at 10:00 am, at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Service
Monday, June 27, 2022, at 10:00 am
Location
Springfield Funeral Home
Throughout the years, as neighbours and friends, we were honoured to have shared many life events with Monica and her family. We are very sad and our hearts go out to her father, Herb Sr. , Siblings Karen, Tanya and Herb. and to her children, Josh and Kaylee and her baby grandson. .Special hugs to all of Monica’s nieces and nephews and their families. “Tante” Mary and Jim Gourlay
My condolences, I had the honor to meet your daughter online in a game. We became friends along the way. To read this sad news, it breaks my heart. Inge from Belgium
To Monica’s family my thoughts and prayers are with you all through this very difficult time…She is resting in the arms of Jesus, while she is watching over you all.
I am so sorry for your loss…………
So sorry for your loss Herb, my heart goes out to you and your family.
The entire VC Community mourns with you Herb.
I am saddened because my friend is saddened. I’ll see you soon pal.
What a shock. My sincere condolences to all the family. I knew Monica throughout my teens and early adulthood and loved my friend dearly. She will be remembered so fondly in my heart always.
God bless you all. Xo
Dear Sommerfeld family,
Monica was always so kind to me. Your entire family has always been kind to me. My heart grieves with yall, my Fam. Love & memories & prayers from Georgia…
Brother Blake.
I am so very sorry for your loss of Monica! I pray for all the family for peace as you learn to navigate through life without her. My heart breaks for you.! God Bless you!
Hello… My name is Elle (aka Light of the Moon). I knew Monica (as did Inge from Belgium) through a game we played… Seekers Notes. There are quite a few of us who now know of Monica’s passing. The game was a wonderful release from daily life that we all needed… we met on line in this game before the Covid Pandemic. In the game, there are guilds, and by happenstance we were all in the same one. If Monica were alive now to tell it, she would tell you that God willed for us all to be in that game, in that guild, at that time. And now, in late June of 2022, I don’t think any of us would disagree.
I believe it was her who helped spear-head the first “Secret Santa” exchange in the guild. Who knew in an online game we would reveal our own home addresses and Christmas ‘wants”. But Monica organized the whole event. She knew who was a “Santa” and helped us each to fulfill the “wants” of our guild friend we were matched with. We exchanged Christmas Cards and later birthday wishes throughout the year.
Each of us brought to that guild a bit about ourselves but everyone there (in the chat portion of that game) supported each person. Monica was no exception; she took as much as gave. We all were so happy and supportive when she shared that she was soon going to be a grandmother, an ‘Oma’. We celebrated with her when her daughter gave birth, and we were all so happy and thankful for a healthy and happy newborn for Monica and her daughter and new son-in-law.
Monica shared so much of herself with us in the Guild Chat, on Facebook, or with me (a non-social media user) on personal email. I had the wonderful fortune to chat privately with Monica on email, and unburden myself; she also gave me purpose in being able to listen to her unburden and share her woes.
Monica was always supportive to each of us in the guild. She was always there to listen to anyone’s woes… each of us had to deal with Covid and it’s restrictions where ever we each lived; and however it effected our individual lives. But we all knew a little about Monica. About what her daily life was like, her job, how she struggled with the restrictions of Covid; how she loved her fur babies (as we all did ours) and how she (like each of us) struggled to make ends meet.
I know I am posting my condolences, but I think I may be speaking for many in our former guild “in a silly game” where we all connected … though we never met any of our Guild Family personally, each and every one of us feels the loss of Monica’s passing. I wish I could post a picture of the avatar Monica used. It so looked like her… a beautiful woman looking over her shoulder… a woman who would take on all the challenges life presented her with. A woman who believed in Christ and God, and knew she would be welcomed into the Kingdom when it was her time. RIP, Monica. We all miss you.
From Me… Elle… Light of the Moon, and from Kd’s Texas Framily, if I may post for them too.
My condolences go out to Monica’s family. I got to know Monica through an online game and she was so sweet. She was always there to listen and share a kind word. She will be missed.
Herb, I’m very sorry to hear of this tragic news. I never met your sister but I do know that you are an honourable man and I presume she was just as honourable. Those who we love never really are gone as long as they live on in our memories and daily thoughts. Cherish those memories and think of her daily.
I will miss you Moe!! I will cherish the memories we have together ❤️❤️
Monica and I met when our daughters, Kaylee and Kadia, were 8 years old and attending North Glenmore elementary. I loved Monicas smile and positive attitude. We quickly became close friends. Over the years we life was busy but we still managed to see many classic movies together, like Pitch perfect 3 and Mama Mia, lol. I searched through 10 years of messages with each other and did not find one picture of us. Only pictures of our families, purses and the snacks we were going to sneak into the theatre in our purses. We both loved our snacks and our families 🙂 I can still see Monica chasing after my then , 3 year old and yelling, I am going to spank your bum. My daughter Kaiya was a terrible 3 year old but she loved Monica. I am so very sad for all of Monica’s family and especially sad for her children and grandson. I miss her already and am praying for peace for all who loved her like I did.
My thoughts are with you all today. ❤️
To Monica’s family….
I also met Monica through our “silly little online game”. This Texas girl immediately felt a strong friendship with the sweet, amazing Canadian girl with the funny sense of humor, incredibly caring nature, and strong faith. In our short time as friends, it was evident she LOVED her family and friends, and she was a loyal and giving person. I watched her beautiful service today online, and I cried along with all of you for the loss of sweet Monica way too soon. But I know, because Monica was so sure in her faith, that she is with the Lord and healthy and painfree tonight. Praying for you all, and sending hugs from Texas.
Carrie Simpson
Dear family
We were so shocked to hear of the passing of Monica!
Our hearts go out to you at this Very difficult time.
Although we know Monica is in a better place it does not alleviate the or pain of those left behind!!
May God hold you ever so close and comfort you as only he can !!
The service was beautifully done. So meaningful!!
Thank you for mainstreaming it!!
May God comfort you as only He can!!!
Love to you All !!
Ursula and Richard
Revelation 21:4 says “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away”. I too can only image what Monica felt after she had fought the good fight and finished her course, as she kept her faith. She received her crown of righteousness that the Lord gave her on the day she left us. She may not be here physically, but she reminds in our hearts. I send my condolences to her family and will continue my prayers that the Lord continues to comfort and bless you daily.
We have so many fun memories of Monica and the good times we shared while being in Grace Baptist Youth together. She was friendly, kind and had a feisty side to her. Sending love and hugs to Tanya, Karen, Herb and families. You are all in our prayers.
Cindy Neufeld, Christy Nikkel & families