Hi. My name is Karin Buchanan. I am starting this GoFundMe to help my Brother-in-Law and my nieces and nephews cope with the tragic loss of their beloved wife and mother, Sonja.

It is with a heavy heart that I announce the devasting loss of Sonja Deklerk to suicide on February 1st. She was only 43 years old and leaves behind her devoted husband Nathan and her children Kaleb (Grace), Chloe (Rhys) and Anna. Her love, kindness, and unwavering spirit touched everyone who knew her, and her absence leaves a void that can never be filled.

As Sonja struggled with depression and mental health challenges throughout her life, she was unable to qualify for life insurance.

Sonja was a light to all that knew her. Sonja was the heart of her family - a loving partner to her husband and a nurturing mother to her children. She was a talented artist, musician and jewelry designer with a heart of gold. She had deep compassion for all and gave love to others even in the face of tremendous personal pain and suffering. She openly shared about her mental health struggles and gave her heart to help those impacted by similar struggles to see their worth and to know that they were worth, "More Than Gold."

The outpouring of love and support from friends, family and the community during this unimaginably difficult time means the world! A financial donation, however big or small, will have a huge impact on helping the Deklerk family navigate the tough journey ahead.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your love and support.

Karin Buchanan on behalf of the Deklerk family.