Sonia Le Varghese's Obituary
Sonia Le Varghese, of Houston, Texas, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 25, 2024, at the age of 52.
Sonia was born in Kerala, India (Vazhoor, Kottayam District) on May 11, 1971 to Ambattu S. Varghese, Ambatt House (Vazhoor, Kottayam) and Mariamma Varghese, Thekkekara House (Kanam, Kottayam). Sonia was the eldest of four girls and she was a protective sister to her younger siblings. Sonia loved her home in India for six years and she adored her family, especially her paternal grandparents who took great responsibility for her care and upbringing.
Sonia and her family immigrated to the United States, arriving in Chicago, Illinois in November 1977. In 1978, the family moved to Houston, Texas, where Sonia would reside for most of her life.
In 1981, Sonia's family joined Braeburn Bible Chapel and under the guidance of Mr. Robert (Bob) Clark, she grew in the knowledge of God's Word. Sonia accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at age 10 during a Billy Graham Crusade, held at Rice Stadium (Houston, TX), November 1981. Sonia made a public profession of her faith through baptism in December 1985. Sonia served the Lord in the local assembly, including in the church nursery, leading Bible studies, at Sandy Creek Bible Camp, and in ministering to the youth at the brethren retreats/conferences.
Sonia graduated from Alief-Elsik High School in 1989 and she completed a business degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the University of Houston. She held positions in leadership and management for many years. Her last position was in the executive office of the Adler Planetarium (Chicago, Illinois). In her free time, she enjoyed event planning such as helping to coordinate weddings and hosting special events.
Sonia had a brilliant mind. She was the family historian with a gift for remembering the lineage, relationships and stories of her loved ones. A true renaissance woman, she had a deep appreciation for history, architecture, art, music and literature. Sonia had a a great love of the Bible, physics, chemistry, microbiology, engineering, nursing, law and government. She found great joy in caring for her garden and in cooking for others. She always encouraged her sisters to pursue knowledge and, most of all, to grow in God's Word.
In late 2002, Sonia experienced vision changes and by May 2003, she became visually impaired. She returned to Houston to be closer to her family and to learn how to navigate life with her disability. Although her declining health dramatically changed the course of her life, her determination and resilient spirit helped her persevere, even through many significant health challenges.
Sonia's incredible spirit of generosity towards her family, friends and community remained unchanged. She was generous with her time, her giving and her gifts. She spent countless hours guiding her family, counseling friends and praying for their needs.
Sonia was committed to providing education to her family members, sending relatives to college and renovating their homes in India. She was devoted to the ministry of children, with support to Rehoboth Girls Orphanage (Thrisshur, Kerala) in India. She provided for so many children, as though they were her own. She was determined to improve their way of life, whether that meant buying a car for family members, having a water well installed, helping with home building costs and financial support for their businesses. Sonia believed giving could change the trajectory of someone's life and provide hope for their family.
Sonia had a distinctive gift in guiding the youth, counseling and encouraging others at church and in youth retreats/Bible conferences. She felt a great responsibility to advise younger women and girls. Sonia regarded every one of the Texas youth as her younger sister and brother.
With her cane in hand and even while carrying a portable oxygen tank, Sonia continued to share the love of Jesus with every person she met. She shared the gospel in grocery stores and the waiting room at doctors' offices, at the library, on the Metrolift buses, and often from her hospital bed. Sonia remained a devoted follower of the Lord Jesus Christ and she held on to her eternal hope and faith in Christ all her life.
Sonia is survived by her father, Ambattu. S. Varghese, her mother, Mariamma Varghese, her sisters, Sanitha (John) Varghese, Sobana (Pavan) Rajagopal, Susan Varghese, her nieces and nephews, Joanna Varghese, Jonathan Varghese, Abigail Rajagopal, Olivia Rajagopal and Ezra Rajagopal.
Viewing (Friday, February 2nd, 5-7 p.m.) and
Funeral Service (Saturday, February 3rd, 9-10:30 a.m.) will be held at
First Colony Bible Chapel
3610 Austin Parkway
Sugar Land, Texas 77479
In lieu of flowers, Sonia's memory will be honored by giving to these ministries that were close to her heart.
Sandy Creek Bible Camp
5051 Prayer Lane
Washington, TX 77880
Donate – Sandy Creek Bible Camp
Donate – Sandy Creek Bible Camp
Mention Sonia in the memo line
KHCB 105.7 FM
2424 South Blvd
Houston, Texas 77098
Vanco Online
Vanco Online
Livestream Link for Funeral Service (Saturday)
What’s your fondest memory of Sonia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Sonia?
Share a story where Sonia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Sonia you’ll never forget.
How did Sonia make you smile?
