Sonia Munoz

Sonia Cecilia Muñoz of Avondale, Arizona passed away June 12, 2023 at the age of 70. She was born October 11, 1952 in Zopote Central de San Jose, Costa Rica to Victor and Virginia Muñoz, both of whom predeceased her. She is survived by her husband Carlos Alcala, daughter Karla Muñoz, sons Luis Muñoz, Fabian Muñoz, and Daniel Alcala, sister Marlen Robertson and Sandra Alcala, and brothers Carlos, Jorge, Juan, and Ronald Muñoz. She is also survived by six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Sonia was born and raised in Costa Rica. She moved to the United States at the age of 29, and lived in Long Beach, California for most of her life. She was with Carlos for over 40 years, and they married June 29, 2017. Her proudest accomplishment was her family. She was so proud of her four beautiful children and all her grandchildren. She knew that they would continue her legacy of faith and kindness, and would accomplish much in their education and careers.

Sonia was a devout Catholic who regularly attended church and weekly prayer groups. Her faith was strong and she followed it into a life of caring, generosity, and selflessness. She was known for being there when you needed her and even when you thought you didn’t. Everyone who met her immediately loved her. She would even offer a door-to-door salesmen water and something to eat. She genuinely cared for everyone. Most people felt as though she was like a mother to them; a beacon of light when they were in the darkness. She was a fierce protector of anybody she considered her family. She would give them her last $5 or the clothes from her back if they needed it. But she wouldn’t hesitate to teach a life lesson either.

Sonia was an amazing cook. Her Arroz con Pollo was the best around. In her free time, she could be heard singing. Her voice was like an angel’s and was soothing to her family. She also enjoyed gardening, going for walks, and pointing out animals (especially cows) to her family.

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Memories from the family

From her husband: She had the most beautiful smile.

From her children: Every morning she’d greet us with the biggest smile on her face. And when we left for work, she always would do the sign of the cross while blowing kisses and waving goodbye as we drove away.

From her son-in-law: I loved spending time taking walks with her at El Dorado Park.

From a granddaughter: There are too many memories to recount! She instilled a deep faith in all of us. Some of my favorite memories are of her taking me to participate in church events. We would do the posadas every December where we would join a group singing to praise God.

From a grandson: When her memory started going, she would make funny mistakes. One time while cooking, she had come running into the kitchen realizing she had left the butter open in the sink with the water running.

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Sonia’s light may have left this world, but her faith will continue on in her family. She will be greatly missed, but we know she is at peace.

A visitation will be held from 5pm to 9pm, Monday, June 19, 2023. A recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at 10am, Tuesday, June 20 with the funeral following at 10:30. All services will take place in the front building of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Goodyear, Arizona.

Burial will take place at 1pm, Tuesday, June 20 at Greenwood Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Phoenix, Arizona.