Sonja Briley

Sonja Louise Zielaskowski was born in Alpena on Feb. 20, 1954, to the late Alex and Jean (Egelski) Zielaskowski. Sonja worked and retired from Alpena Medical Arts. She enjoyed gardening, casino trips, collecting nik naks, training her cat “Scruffy”, but most importantly was spending time with her loved ones.

Surviving are her two children, Jennifer (Rick) Gruschke-Mowery, Christopher Briley; five grandchildren, Parker (Charlotte Chumley) Gruschke, Kerrigan Gruschke, Mira Briley, Charles (Kristi) Mowery, Dillon (Amanda) Mowery; her significant other, Ronald McDonald; and sister, Sandy Zielaskowski.

Sonja was preceded in death by an infant brother, Alex Zielaskowski, her brother, Philip (Fay) Zielaskowski, and sister, Susan Kidder.

Visitation will take place Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, at the Bannan Funeral Home from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at noon with Rev. Aloysius Okpala officiating.

Inurnment: Holy Cross Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Huron Humane Society.