Herta F. Moore

Herta Francisca Moderl-Moore, known to many as “Sonja”, was born and raised in Munich Germany. Sonja was the oldest of her siblings. She grew up during WWII and at an early age she had to adapt to a world that was rapidly changing. Sonja would often describe her years living through WWII with having to ration food, living with limited electricity and water, and having to stay in various bunkers while war planes dropped bombs on the City she loved so much.

Life for her changed when she met her husband (Charles R. Moore) in Bad Tolz, Germany in 1953. Charles was in the beginning of his service career as one of the Original Army Special Forces Soldiers and both of them would set off on a life long journey of exciting adventures.  They would go on to be married for 62 years and raise 4 boys.  Sonja and Charles enjoyed the military travel duties both stateside and abroad including multiple tours to Panama Canal Zone. Sonja worked both as a Mother and an Officer’s Wife.  She took on all the challenges of raising 4 boys while Charles spent most of his career in Vietnam or away on Special Assignments. She undertook all these duties while juggling an active social life that took her around the world, stomping through primitive jungles, and visiting various countries. Sonja was always up for curious site seeing and exploring new places.  

Life continued for Sonja after Charles retired from the Army. They settled into their home in Shalimar Florida and she continued to be involved in Special Forces Association Groups and Activities, Played in Bridge Clubs, made sure Charles kept busy with a civilian career and always continued working as a Mother, Wife and Friend to so many. Her social life continued with less travels as she continued to maintain close contact with her friends dating back 68 years.

Sonja entered into a new chapter of life after Charles passed in June of 2017. She was committed to visiting his gravesite weekly, playing bridge, going to her weekly hair and nail appointments, getting her Starbucks coffees and answering the never ending phone calls. She later became very proficient at Facebook which she loved so much as she could see so many people and what was going on in their lives as her mobility became more restricted to her home.

Sonja was like an energized bunny that wouldn’t stop. Her point directness helped us through the toughest of times and her kindness taught us how to respect, keep an open mind and share empathy. Sonja was a realist and always knew life had many ups and downs with many chapters. Sonja had an unselfish devotion of love for her dogs, cats, family and friends.

As Sonja would often quote- “That’s just of part of life, you pick up and go on”.  We grieve our loss and we say Thank You for who you are and for all you have done. Our lives have been blessed because of you. We will never forget you and will someday be united with you in an eternal lasting life.

Sonja is preceded in death by her parents Joseph & Gertrude Moderl, brothers Joseph “Burschi” Moderl, Heinz Moderl, Horst Moderl, late husband (Ret) LTC Charles R. Moore, son John W. Moore and granddaughter Gwendolen Moore.

Sonja is survived by her sister Bobbi (Karl) Hochhausler from Munich Germany, Sister in Law Christl  Moderl from Munich Germany. Son’s Glynn (Suzanne) Moore of Shalimar Florida, Gary (Joy) Moore of Ocala Florida, Troy (Hon Kei Chan) Moore of Denver Colorado,  grandson Charles Moore of Navarre Florida, granddaughters Jennifer Moore of Hinesville Georgia, Shelia (Mark) Blanchard of Fayetteville North Carolina, Latasha Anderson of Destin Florida and great granddaughter Calista Moore of Atlanta Georgia along with 11 other great-grandchildren. She also is survived by her nieces and nephews both in the United States and in Germany.

Sonja included an extended family that she loved so dearly. Nora Cain, Jennifer Nguyen, Arlene Roberts, Barbara Gay Patton, Dina Patton, Stacey Patton, Almut and Maj. Bill Parker, Col. Don Marnon, Col. Charles Fry, Linda Ketter, La Donna Pitman, Caine Rothert, Dr. Nick Venuto, and Karen Smith.

Sonja will be buried alongside her husband at Beal Memorial Cemetery in Ft Walton Beach. The Family has requested in lieu of Flowers that you make donations to:  Animal Protection League, address is PO Box 51, Ft Walton Beach Florida 32549   Att: Almut Parker

In Closing, the family would also like to thank all of Sonja’s caregivers and friends at the Fresenius Dialysis Center, and everyone else who knew and helped her for so many years. We know what you did for her, and we know what you meant to her and for that we are truly grateful. Sonja loved all of you in her own special way.

Graveside service is scheduled for Saturday, March 13, 2021 at 11 AM at Beal Memorial Cemetery.  Expressions of love and sympathy may be placed and viewed at www.emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com

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