Sonja Perla Shaheen

Born in Sweden on September 11, 1934 and a survivor of the holocaust, Sonja immigrated to the United States after the war, settling in Cleveland, Ohio, where she met and married Marvin Perla. In Cleveland, she obtained a graduate degree from Case Western Reserve University in Early Childhood Education and had a daughter, her pride and joy, Stephanie. In 1968 the family moved to California where Sonja taught kindergarten in private schools; she was sought after by both parents and education facilities due to her progressive and effective teaching methods. She absolutely adored animals, especially dogs; while living in California, Sonja bred and showed Great Danes, was an active member of the Conejo Valley Kennel Club and a show judge. Following her career as a teacher, Sonja excelled at obtaining and managing multi-million dollar grants for the Employment Development Department while she worked for the State of California. In 1989 she retired to Florida. Not truly inclined to retire, Sonja, established a very successful antique furniture refinishing business allowing her to showcase her knowledge of antiques and her love of interior decorating. She moved to Louisiana in 1996 to be closer to her daughter and soon thereafter in 1999, Marvin passed away. Sonja was truly blessed to be able to find love later in life and married John Shaheen, her devoted marriage partner and soul mate, in 2003. Sonja's strength and courage was both amazing and inspiring to her family and those that knew her as she fought a heroic battle with Hepatitis C and Primary Liver Cancer. Her legacy lives on through the lives she has touched; she was a wonderful and unique person who will be greatly missed. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. James Bienvenu, Dr. Deborah Johnson and the entire staff of the Oncology Ward, Floor 5 at Our Lady of the Lourdes Hospital. Your genuine love and compassion will always be remembered. She is survived by her husband John Shaheen of Lafayette; her 'Best Girl' Stephanie Clark and her husband Phillip of Lafayette; a sister-in-law Mildred Ross and two nieces and a nephew, all of Cleveland, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her parents and her first husband, Marvin Perla. Graveside services will be held at Hebrew Rest Cemetery on Tuesday, March 3, 2009 at 10:00 AM for Sonja Perla, 74, who passed away on March 2, 2009 at 2:15 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes in Lafayette. Rabbi Barry Weinstein will conduct the funeral services. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Sonja's name to the American Liver Foundation, 75 Maiden Lane, Suite 603, New York, NY 10038. (212)668-1000. www.americanliverfoundation.com Personal condolences may be sent to the Perla family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com. Delhomme Funeral Home of Lafayette is in charge of funeral arrangements.

Sonja Perla Shaheen

September 11, 1934 - March 2, 2009