Husband tells o f devastatio n as pregnant wife (34) dies suddenly
A GRIEVING husband has led tributes to his wife, who died suddenly at home just weeks after finding out she was pregnant.
Sonja Wayland, who turned 34 in June, died at her Co Wexford home on Saturday morning.
Her “devastated” husband Andrew recalled trying to resuscitate her.
“She was my absolute rock. I am just devastated. Nobody can get to terms with it,” he said.
“She had just found out that she was a few weeks’ pregnant and had been to see the doctor for a check-up.
“The doctor rang in tears, she can’t believe it.”
The mother, who originally came from Slieverue, Co Kilkenny, was laid to rest yesterday.
She had met her husband through the Dunbrody Archers – a group she was an active member of.
The couple were married in late December and had a child Cameron (1) together.
She was also the devoted mother of Cian, and very close to her husband’s son Calum.
Mrs Wayland, who worked as a legal secretary for Kieran Boland’s law firm in Kilkenny city, was about to go swimming with her baby Cameron and her husband when she took ill.
“She was a fantastic person. She was a great, loyal friend and a very thoughtful person.
Confidante
“She was a kind-hearted mother who doted on the children and the baby was her little pride and joy,” Mr Wayland said.
“It’s just gut-wrenching, especially with the baby... Everyone is just devastated. She was just 34. Sonja was a great confidante and friend and she had a huge circle of friends.
“I would say to everyone to go home and give everyone they love a hug. Hug your kids as you never know when something like this will happen.
“Words cannot even begin to express how I, the boys and the family are feeling now. Sonja was such an amazing and loving woman, snatched away from us in a flash and far, far too young.
“Sonja, we will always love you and will never ever forget you. You kept us all connected.”
Mrs Wayland is grieved by her husband, sons Cian and Cameron, stepson Calum, parents Patrick and Geraldine, brother Thomas, sister Rose, stepmother Sheila, niece Chloe, brother-in-law Trevor, extended family and a large circle of friends.
She reposed at her parents’ residence in Snowhill, Slieverue, on Monday afternoon and evening and a crowd attended her funeral service yesterday at noon in Christchurch Cathedral, Waterford.