Woman’s wedding dress helping her leave important legacy behind

By Gillian Slade on September 21, 2018.

gslade@medicinehatnews.com

Her life was cut short but her beautiful wedding dress will support a charity that makes dresses and wraps for little ones who have also passed on too soon.

Even at the time of shopping for her own wedding dress, Sonja McGivery knew that she wanted to support Alberta Angel Dresses.

“She just thought it was such an amazing organization that would take the time to make these babies look like angels,” said Gloria, her mother.

Alberta Angel Dresses handcrafts tiny gowns from donated wedding dresses for babies who have passed away too soon. The beautiful gown can bring comfort to the grieving family, be used for final photos and for burial.

Sonja loved people and children in particular, says Gloria.

“She blessed so many people. She touched so many lives, she was always aware of the underdog,” said Gloria, remembering how she would write messages of comfort and encouragement on sticky notes for people.

Sonja was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour at the age of 24 when she was about to commence her fourth year at university. She was still able to graduate with her degree in 2013.

After her first surgery she had almost four years during which she did quite well. She was able to have a fairly normal life and she got married, said Gloria.

In 2015, her tumour was more aggressive and she needed more surgery. She passed away April 2017, said Gloria.

Sonja’s wedding dress, made of beautiful English lace, in the end was not suitable to be made into Angel Dresses because of the lace detail, which would be too harsh against the skin of a baby, said Gloria. However, Sonja’s desire is being honoured thanks to a local business.

Karla Clute, owner of Magic Moments bridal in Medicine Hat, made a plan to sell Sonja’s dress on consignment so that the proceeds could be donated to Alberta Angel Dresses to cover the costs such as shipping the little Angel Dresses to their destinations.

Clute says she was inspired by Sonja’s story and she feels sure there will be a bride who will love the gown.

“And cherish it like Sonja did,” said Clute.

Gloria is delighted about the arrangement with Magic Moments. She is also “touched” that Clute has also decided to take other wedding gowns on consignment with the proceeds going to Alberta Angel Dresses or other charities such as Alberta Children’s Hospital or Stollery Children’s Hospital.

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