Mrs. Sonja Bata was an outstanding personality. Her forward-thinking and innovative ideas, as well as her resilient drive for learning and discovery, earned her a global reputation both in Canada and in the Czech Republic. She always followed the principles of Bata dynasty and promoted good reputation of the Czech Republic in Canada.

Born in Zurich, Switzerland to a prominent family of lawyers, Sonja Bata (née Wettstein) pursued education in architecture. Her academic career was soon interrupted by her engagement and wedding to the heir of a global shoe manufacturing and retail empire, Czech-Canadian Thomas Bata, when she was just 19 years old.

After her marriage in 1946, she passionately devoted her time and energy to support her husband in rebuilding the family business. Together they brought up daughters Monica, Christine, Rosemarie and son Thomas George.

Mrs. Sonja Bata was the founder of Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto. She also was an active member of many professional and philanthropic institutions. For years she was active at Tomas Bata University in Zlin as a Board of Governors member.

She was appointed Officer of the Order of Canada and received a Silver Medal from the United Nation’s Environmental Program, among many other awards and honours bestowed upon her by Canadian and International institutions.