Sonja Willman, inimitable artist, famed interior designer, beloved mother and cherished wife passed away on May 13, 2020 in St. Louis, Missouri at the age of 73.

She was born Sonja Vernice Burkey on November 5, 1946 in St. Louis to Vernice Nelson and William Burkey Sr. Sonja graduated from Webster Groves High School in 1964 and went on to attend St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, graduating in 1968 with a degree in Home Economics. It was there she met and fell in love with a young Marine aviator named Robert Willman. They wed in 1967 and shared over 50 years of marriage together.

Sonja is survived by her husband Robert, her children Justin Willman (Jillian) and Ashley Obradovits (Michael), and her grandchildren Jackson Willman and Piper Obradovits. She is preceded in death by her brother William Burkey Jr. of Eureka, Missouri.

Sonja was a brilliant and accomplished interior designer. She began her career as a window dresser for the May Company, and went on to find great success as a young designer for Jack Brandt Ltd. in St. Louis. In 1985 she branched off to form her own company, Sonja Willman Designs, and quickly became one of the most sought-after designers in St. Louis. Her work was featured on the cover of Better Homes and Gardens, Traditional Home, Country Home, Veranda and more. Her creative process was one that would be admired and emulated for years to come. In an interview, Sonja once said, “Think of the logical thing, then do the opposite. Take something out of the trash and display it with fine china.” It was this philosophy that would set her apart and allow her to forge her own way in the business. She established two successful retail storefronts in Ladue and Manchester called Summerhouse which she ran in tandem with her design firm.

Sonja is remembered by many as “everyone’s mom.” Despite her success in design, motherhood was always her true passion in life. Her children Ashley and Justin were blessed to be the recipients of their mom’s endless kindness, humor, creativity and love. They recall her keen ability to live in the moment and find beauty in the ordinary. She was always present and ready to accompany them on every new adventure. She taught them to never settle, and to always make things just a little better than they needed to be. She loved them boldly and unabashedly, and encouraged them to pursue their own passions.

Recent years were challenging as Sonja’s family navigated her Alzheimer’s disease, but today they choose to remember her as the tireless nurturer, talented artist/designer and social butterfly that she really was. She left her mark on everyone lucky enough to know her, and she did it in a way that left them aware of their own unique potential and ability. She was a mirror of positivity, even on her most difficult days. Her family and friends will think of her whenever they raise a frozen margarita or a cup of late-night coffee, and will do their best to love as fiercely as Sonja did.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sonja V. Willman Alzheimer’s Research Fund.

Learn more about the Sonja V. Willman Alzheimer’s Research Foundation.

Music Box Memories

In 2019 Sonja, Robert and Ashley appeared in Justin’s Netflix series Magic For Humans in a segment about Alzheimer’s, memories, and living in the moment.