Sonia Miraglia
Obituary
On Sunday, June 5, 2022, Sonia "Nana" Miraglia passed away, surrounded by all her family, at home in Watsonville, CA after a valiant fight against Alzheimer's. Sonia was born in Riberalta, Bolivia to Fernando and Blanca Padilla. She grew up in Riberalta and in her teens moved to Cochabamba before taking an au pair position with a family in San Rafael, CA. In 1970, she met Francesco Miraglia, in San Francisco and soon after they married at St. Joseph's Church in Capitola.
One of her greatest accomplishments in her life was working at UC Santa Cruz where she proudly became the Associate Director of Admissions and where she met many lifelong friends. Upon retirement, she began her next chapter as "Nana" to her four grandchildren, whom she loved dearly.
Sonia's generosity was one of her greatest gifts. She didn't blink an eye when giving of her time and never said no to helping family and friends. She had an infectious smile and all who knew her loved to be in her presence.
From an early age, her love of animals and nature was apparent. She passed that love down to her children and grandchildren. She was a lifelong lover of music and dance and instilled that in her grandchildren.
Sonia was her grandchildren's biggest cheerleader. She enjoyed going to swim meets, volleyball tournaments, baseball and basketball games. Sonia loved ice cream and sweets, but especially banana splits. Please join us in her celebration of life with a banana split in her memory!
She is survived by her husband Francesco of 51 years; her three children, Carmelo (Yvette), Francesco (Tanya), Jessica (Jacob) and her four grandchildren, Natalie, Giulianna, Kiana and Dominik.
The funeral will be held on Friday, June 17th at 1:00 p.m. at Valley Church aka Our Lady Help of Christians Church, 2401 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville, CA 95076.
In lieu of flowers, you may honor Sonia by donating to an animal shelter or charity of your choice.
Published in The Pajaronian · June 10, 2022