Sonia C. (Snelgrove) Olivero

On September 14, Sonia Charlotte Snelgrove Olivero passed away peacefully at age 83. Sonia was a beautiful mother of four children and a mother to many more as they’d come to her home and feel like part of the family. Some people felt like a second child to Sonia. Others were lifelong friends. She was an amazing woman who made everyone feel welcome the minute they walked through the door.

Having traveled the world with her husband Bob Olivero, Sonia was fortunate to see it all and live the most interesting life in exotic places like Fiji, Africa, Thailand, and New York. But Newfoundland was always home. Grates Cove was the home of her father Hedley Snelgrove who eventually moved into St. John’s and with his wife Beatrice Snelgrove, they started a corner grocery store on Campbell Avenue. They had four beautiful girls; Anita Newman, June Neave, Lorna Vallis, and of course mom, Sonia Olivero. 

Leaving to mourn Sonia are her three children Tina Olivero, Maria Johnson, and John Olivero. Above all, we hope mom is joining her eldest Son in the heavens, Robert Olivero who passed 3 years ago. Sonia’s greatest legacy is her grandchildren; Meaghan Shortall, Nick Johnson, Sonia Wills, Benjamin Olivero, and Angelina Olivero. They were and will always be, Sonia’s “best loves.”

When you would see Bob you would see Sonia. That’s the kind of life they lived. Fully immersed in their kids' lives, they went to just about every event we had. The kids were Sonia and Bob’s everything. Because of this way of life so we have not only lost a mom, but lifelong friends in Sonia and Bob.

Traditions in our family included Sunday dinners, friends dropping over for a bite to eat and funny hat-parties. Sonia was always up for the tunes and a dance. She would get going and dance in her special way, and while dancing her jig, she’d sing out “S**t man I can’t dance with my pants on.” Of course, we’d roar with laughter at this little 5 ft-nothing sweetheart of a woman who loved her family and friends beyond any expressible words.

Everyone loved Bob and Sonia and everyone always came to visit them. As a result, 28 Sir Albert Walsh Drive was teaming with friends and family. All of the kids' friends became friends of mom and dads over the years and that was a magical thing. Truly the friends and love were deeply felt at Sonia and Bobs house. May we all be as blessed to have this much friendship in life. 

Sonia’s love of Newfoundland was pure as the day is long. Her special home and garden were in Holyrood overlooking the bay. It was her sanctuary, the place where she would look out over the water and watch the sunsets every evening. Sonia was happiest in her garden. She loved all of our dogs and especially her dog “Maggie” who slept at her feet every night until her final days. 

Mom we hope you are with dad and Rob, your parents, and your long line of Newfoundland descendants. What we know for sure, was that you came from an incredible lineage because they made you, and you were a goddess of compassion and healing on this earth. 

Rest in peace Sonia. Love you forever!

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Sonia's Celebration of Life will be held in Holyrood at her home.

28 Sir Albert Walsh Drive, Holyrood, Newfoundland

September 24th - 2 pm - 6 pm - (bring your hat and your guitar)

Rather than flowers or a contribution, please donate to THE GATHERING PLACE. That would mean everything to mom.