Auburn – Sonia A. Neal, 49, of 215 Bradman St., surrounded by her loving family stepped into eternity peacefully on Tuesday, Oct. 24, after a short battle with cancer, which she fought with great faith.

She was born on May 29, 1957, in Lewiston, the precious daughter of Normand and Yolande (Doyon) Bissonnette.

She was a lifelong resident of Lewiston/Auburn. She was educated in Lewiston schools. After graduating from high school, she received her nursing degree through the U.S. Army Reserves. After dedicated service in the nursing field, she was more recently employed by Support Solutions. She was a longtime member of East Auburn Baptist Church.

She loved nature. Among her simplest pleasures were her lovely flower garden and watching the many birds that visited her daily. Her favorite cardinal would sing to her. She liked old movies, solving mysteries like Jessica Fletcher. She enjoyed photography and chocolate, morning, noon and night. Her joy was sharing the Lord’s word with all she knew. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who always put others first and was ready with hugs and kisses for everyone and the joy of the Lord was her strength.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 25 years, Mark Neal; her special daughter, Rebekkah Joy Neal; grandson, Drake Donavan Neal Grandmaison; her loving parents, Normand and Yolande Bissonnette; her sister, Lisa, and husband, Jim Martinez and family from California; brother, Kenneth, and wife, Lisa Bissonnette, from Litchfield; several nieces and nephews who always knew Auntie Sonia would take them on a great adventure; two very best friends, Debbie Deschaine and Kim Cuff; and many people who believed and prayed along side her; a beloved godchild, Sonya Quispe, from Suriqui Island, Bolivia.

She loved to live life to the fullest. Many of us who shared in her final journey came away with so many blessings, and the lives she touched will forever be changed.