Sojnia Eveline Aaron, a former resident of North Highlands, passed away on September 6, 2025, in Cedar Park, Texas, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 69.
Born in Seattle, Washington, on July 3, 1956, Sojnia was the eldest of four children to Dean Aaron and the late Pearl Dunning. Her childhood was marked by frequent moves due to her father’s career in the U.S. Air Force, taking her to places like Puerto Rico, Kansas, Washington, Florida, and Alaska before she settled in California.
Sojnia’s connection to the local community began when she attended Highlands High School in North Highlands. An exceptional athlete, she was a lettered varsity softball player. After graduation, she balanced a full-time job with night classes at American River College in Sacramento, earning an Associate’s Degree in business.
She had a long and successful career in the food service industry, eventually rising to the position of district manager for several Wendy’s restaurants after moving back to Seattle, Washington. In 2011, she relocated to Texas to be closer to family. She found new employment at H-E-B, where her love for gardening shone through as she worked in the garden center, assisting customers and caring for plants. Her dedication and performance were frequently recognized, and she cultivated many new friendships there.
Sojnia was known for her infectious sense of humor, which could make anyone around her laugh until they cried. Her hobbies included playing tennis, bowling, and tending to her beautiful yard. A devoted reader, she was a fan of Stephen King novels and a diehard Elvis Presley enthusiast. Above all, Sojnia had a deep love for animals, providing a loving home to many dogs throughout her life, including her beloved Miniature Pinscher, Pepper, and her rescued Miniature Pinscher mixes, Hays and Scooter.
She is survived by her father, Dean Aaron of Carnation, Washington; her aunt, Linda Whitaker of Las Vegas, Nevada; her brother Lonnie Aaron and sister-in-law Gaye Aaron of Jonestown, Texas; her brother Bill Aaron and sister Deana Aaron, both of Sacramento, California. She also leaves behind nieces Beth Phillips and Sandra Valdez, and nephew Ryan Becze, as well as her cherished great-nephews: Aaron, Dean, and Hunter Phillips. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and former co-workers.
A memorial service will be held at Austin Memorial Park, 11 a.m. on Friday, September 19, 2025, in Austin, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society, Austin Pets Alive!, or Wags, Hope and Healing.
