Sofie Wonderly Hosford, 41, of Leland passed away Wednesday, March 21, 2012, having finally succumbed to her five-year struggle against cancer.
Sofie was born on May 21, 1970 outside San Francisco to Venise St. Pierre Wonderly and the late Robert Wonderly. She spent her childhood years on the West Coast from Beaverton, Oregon to Anchorage, Alaska. She moved to Spartanburg, South Carolina from where she graduated high school in 1988. In high school, Sofie discovered her passion for running. She was a member of the girls’ track teams at each school she attended. Her passion for running continued throughout her life, racing in and completing countless 10Ks, half-marathons, and several marathons.
She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Carolina honors college in 1991 where she was also a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Sofie returned to her beloved California and earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law in 1996. She received her license to practice law in North Carolina that same year.
Sofie worked as an assistant public defender, in Fayetteville for ten months immediately after which she moved to Wilmington and entered private practice. She became an assistant district attorney in New Hanover County and returned to private practice with her husband.
Sofie dedicated herself to her work. She was a trial lawyer, bringing cases to trial by jury and standing up for the rights of those people who could not do it for themselves. She did not shy away from challenging cases or challenging clients. She performed her work with grace and compassion.
After the birth of her two beautiful and gorgeous daughters, Sofie decided to focus her work-time as an appellate attorney. In that area, she again demonstrated her keen intellect, confronting new issues and new problems with persistence and success. She greatly enjoyed writing and enjoyed the academic discipline that came with her appellate practice.
Sofie was a devoted daughter, handling the toughest of issues with respect for her parents especially her mother’s alzheimer’s diagnosis.
Sofie ‘s greatest achievements all related to her children. She loved her daughters “to the moon and back”. She immersed herself in their lives. From volunteer time at school to ballet, dance, gymnastics, and countless summer camps, Sofie taught her daughters to live, to learn, and to love. She especially enjoyed family camps at Camp Seafarer and stretched her limits with zip line runs, sailing, and kayaking. Sofie was also an adamant believer in the love of Christ and took her responsibility as a parent to introduce her children to Jesus as her most important parental duty.
In her struggle, Sofie found solace in the Word. She loved her church family at Port City Community Church. She was so grateful for all of the support, love, meals, and prayers from everyone.
Sofie is survived by her mother, Venise St. Pierre Wonderly, husband, Geoffrey W. Hosford and daughters, Hope Caroline Hosford and Hadley Noelle Hosford, and countless friends.
There will be a celebration of life service at Port City Community Church, 250 Vision Drive, Wilmington, North Carolina 28403, on Wednesday, March 28, 2012, at 3 p.m. There will be a reception at the Magnolia Greens club house, in Leland, following the service.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Zimmer Cancer Center for their kindness and care. The family would also like to thank Dr. Walter Gajewski for his extraordinary compassion and care for Sofie over these last five years. The family would also like to thank Dr. Hyman Muss, Dr. Matt Foster and the staff at UNC Lineberger Cancer Center for their care, their kindness and dedication.
Memorial contributions may be made to UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, External Affairs Office, UNC-CH CB#7295, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7295.
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Wlmington Funeral and Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099
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