RUMFORD – Sonjia “Soni” M. Ellis passed away on Sunday July 14, 2024, at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston with her family by her side.

Sonjia was born in Skowhegan, on Jan. 16, 1945, and was a daughter of Mildred Cayford Durgin and Perlie Durgin. She attended Dixfield Schools and obtained her high school diploma. She later attended the University of Southern Maine. Soni’s entire working career was at the Rumford Hospital, working there for over 40 years where her care and compassion for others in need was evident. She always watched over and was always there for her younger siblings.

Soni started her career at Rumford Hospital as a Certified Nurses Aide, and later became a Cardiac Tech in the EKG Department where she obtained certification to do echocardiograms. Her last years at the hospital were at the Specialty Clinic where she was the Clinic Coordinator for several years until her retirement.

Soni’s love of her life were her daughter Dawn and Soni’s granddaughter Hannah and Audrey. Her love for animals knew no bounds, she always had dogs and cats in her house and talked to them like they were people. She also loved traveling and gardening, both vegetables and flowers.

Survivors include her daughter Dawn Drapeau-Ilan and her husband Gadi, granddaughters Hannah and Audrey Ilan all of Austin, Texas, a sister Donna Landry and husband Jim of Rumford and her best friend Jen Libby of Rumford, her two dogs Bella and Ollie and two cats Rosie and Marie. She was predeceased by her husband Carl Ellis, her parents, a sister Joni Clarkin and two brothers James and John.

Many thanks to the staff at Rumford Hospital and staff at Central Maine Medical Center for their compassionate care. A special thanks to Jim Drapeau for his support and Dawn Arsenault and the Bethel Animal Hospital.

Friends and family are invited to share memories with the family at http://www.meaderandson.com.

At Soni’s request there will be no services. Arrangements are under the direction of Meader & Son Funeral Home 3 Franklin St Rumford, Maine.