SIDNEY – Sonya C. Arno, 71, of Cameron Drive, and formerly of Vinalhaven and New Sweden, died Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009, at MaineGeneral Medical Center, Augusta Campus, after a long illness. She was born June 17, 1938, in Corinna, a daughter of the late Alphonzo and Doris (McKenney) Cookson. Mrs. Arno was predeceased by two sisters, Althea Myrtie and Joyce Elnora Cookson. She is survived by her beloved husband and soul mate of 53 years, Roland D. Arno of Sidney. Sonya died a few days shy of their 54th wedding anniversary. She also is survived by a son, Clarence R. Arno and his wife, Jean, of Dexter; two daughters, Rolanda J. Nadeau and her husband, Norman, of Augusta and Maureen M. Arno of Sidney; a sister, Charlotte Witham and her husband, Robert, of Hermon; eight grandchildren, seven great-
grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. Mrs. Arno was a graduate of Dexter High School. She had been employed by China Lake Conference Center, South China, as well as Shop ‘n Save, Dexter and Augusta. Mrs. Arno touched the lives of many people. She devoted her life to her family, friends and anyone who needed her help. She was the president of the local American Baptist Women and state coordinator for American Baptist Women White Cross for several years. She cooked for the shut-in residents of Vinalhaven while her husband, Roland, made the deliveries. Among all her accomplishments she took the greatest pride in operating her own business as a Tupperware consultant. She obtained a management position with her recruited consultants working in her unit. Sonya achieved a position within the top 10 dealers in the state of Maine. Sonya also taught Sunday school classes for the mentally disabled. Sonya endured years of health issues and complications related to diabetes that few could imagine. Through it all she remained a strong and loving Christian woman and set a wonderful example for her family and friends of the beautiful person she was. Her passing leaves a great void, but the stars shining down at night from heaven are brighter and more beautiful now that she is there. Visiting hours are 5-8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, at Second Baptist Church of Sidney, River Road, Sidney, where a funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 10. Burial and committal prayers will be afterward at the New Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Mount Vernon Road, Augusta. The family asks that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association, Portland-Auburn Maine Office, 80 Elm St., Portland, ME 04101. Arrangements are under the care of Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta. Condolences to the family may be expressed via the funeral home Web site at www.plummerfh.com.