Kristina Marie Sonnenberg was a beacon of light, hope and love. She graced the art galleries, music venues, museums, restaurants and schools of Chicago with a wide, beautiful smile on her face. In addition to raising three beautiful children, she forged countless friendships with people from all walks of life. She was the center of the universe, always trailed by a loving group of friends and coworkers who cherished every moment they spent with her. She was a shoulder to cry on, a friend to laugh with; a doer, a fixer. She was one call away to drop whatever DIY home improvement project she was doing to be there to support you. One long embrace and a whispered word of encouragement in your ear from her was all it took to feel like you could take on the world. Anything seemed possible with her in your life, because she truly did it all. In addition to being a full time special education teacher at LaSalle Language Academy, she studied for and earned special certifications for teaching children with dyslexia. She was instrumental in establishing the Brent Sopel Foundation which serves underprivileged and dyslexic children across the city. She was beautiful, charismatic, funny, loving, loyal, energetic, dedicated and a pure soul. Kristina, 47, tragically passed on August 5, 2019 surrounded by friends and family. Through the organization Gift of Hope, her vital organs were successfully removed to be given to recipients in dire need. Kristina left this earth how she lived on it, giving and sacrificing for others. She is survived by her parents, Gary and June Volkening, her sisters, Heather Carava and Sarah Volkening, her three children, Elise, Charlie and Mike Sonnenberg and their father James Sonnenberg and her boyfriend John Soss. A celebration of her life will be held at a future date. Donations in her memory can be made to the Brent Sopel Foundation, brentsopelfoundation.org.