Sandra “Sonnie” Brewer Campbell, our beloved aunt, sister-in-law and friend passed away July 2, 2023, at Guardian Angel Homes in Liberty Lake, Wash. Sonnie was the second daughter, and baby of the family, born to Helen and Straw Brewer. She is survived by her family, niece and nephew Tammy Grytness Welch (Mark) and Jeff Grytness; brother-in-law Dick Grytness; cousins Sabra Colpitts (Cletus) and Steve Dietz (Lorie); and great-aunt, Norma Wells. She was a beloved “aunt” to Katie Welch, Peter Welch, Caleb Colpitts, Kazden Colpitts and Seth Colpitts. She was predeceased by her parents, sister, Zona Grytness and great-aunt and great-uncles, Gail Dietz, Dayton Wells and Tom Wells.
Sonnie grew up in Peck where her parents owned the Peck Store. She went to school in Peck and later attended Orofino High School, graduating in 1960. After high school, Sonnie attended cosmetology school in Lewiston and later worked in the restaurant industry in Lewiston and Spokane. Her love of people and infectious personality made her a beloved member of the restaurant industry and broader community. Her customers were known to follow her to new restaurants and shift their dining plans to align with her schedule. She was known for her kindness, thoughtfulness and caring personality. She made every stranger a friend. She took great joy in meeting her friends in Spokane for a weekly breakfast group, these friends were a light and support to her throughout her life and during her final years with Alzheimers.
Sonnie loved life and had many passions and enthusiasms. Travel was a favorite activity, especially if it involved family. She traveled with family all over the world including Scandinavia, Asia, Panama, Washington D.C., Alaska and many trips to see family in the Pacific Northwest. She loved the beach, tolerated camping with her family, looked for any reason to throw a party, and enjoyed a good box of chocolate. Her birthday was always celebrated with spaghetti, meatballs and watermelon.
Her enduring legacy will always be the way she loved and was loved by her family. She was one of the most dependable people her love language was “being there”. Whether it was a graduation, wedding, a ballet recital for a five year, or watching hours of Little League Baseball games. She took tremendous joy in her role as “aunt”. Our family could not have had a better supporter, protector, cheerleader or listener.
Her family would like to thank the caregivers at Guardian Angel Liberty Lake and her friends who continued to visit and reach out to Sonnie during her illness. A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at Riverside Cemetery in Orofino. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.
