Sonya (Sunny) A. Scarano

Sonya A. (Sunny) Wilson Scarano, of Cottonwood, passed away Friday at the age of 75 in Lewiston, of natural causes.

Sunny was born Dec. 20, 1935, at Montgomery Hospital in Norristown, Pa., to Walter and Elizabeth (Meck) Wilson. She spent her youth with her first cousin, Pat Oberholtzer, and reminisced often of the many fun adventures they shared.

Sunny met Victor R. Scarano in 1954, and they were married in Philadelphia May 11, 1959.

Victor graduated from medical school and they started their family with Joseph, Suzanne and Victor. Later they moved to Mountain Home, Idaho; then to Birmingham, Ala., for residency where son, Christopher, joined them. The family moved to Cottonwood, then Memphis, Tenn., a couple years later.

They divorced and Sunny and the children relocated to Cottonwood in 1969. She met Vern Gehring and they remained very close until her passing. Vern became a father figure to Sunny's kids and "Grandpa Vern" to their children.

Sunny enjoyed her life in Idaho. Skiing, gardening and art were her passions. Sunny worked a number of jobs in Cottonwood and Grangeville. While seemingly hard-nosed at times, she truly thrived when she was helping others. Her jobs at the Grangeville nursing home, Prairie Middle School and North Idaho Correctional Institution brought her immense gratification.

Numerous friends touched Sunny's life and the family would like to thank each of you. You were so important to her. The family would also like to thank the staff at Tri-State Dialysis Center in Clarkston and St. Mary's Hospital and Clinic. Your truly professional and caring organizations had a significant impact on Sunny's quality of life.

Sunny was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her best friend of 40-plus years, Vern Gehring, and children Joe and Liz Scarano of Lewiston; Sue and Cliff Tacke of Greencreek; Vic Scarano of Sterling Va.; Chris and Heidi Scarano of Clarkston; grandchildren Kevin, Maureen and Clark Tacke; Nick, Magnus and Alexa Scarano; and newborn great-grandson Corbyn Tacke; and cousin Pat Oberholtzer and her daughter Patty of Lansdale, Pa. Sunny is also survived by her beloved dog who had no name, to her mischievous delight and the chagrin of her children.

A graveside service is planned at Cottonwood Catholic Cemetery at 10 a.m. on Thursday.