Sonya Faye Greenberg Konopken

Sonya Faye Greenberg Konopken (née Semuel), 95, of Highland Park, Illinois, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026, in her apartment at North Shore Place in Northbrook. Born on May 30, 1930, in Erie, Pennsylvania, she was the beloved only child of the late Benjamin Semuel and Hilda Bennett.

Sonya graduated summa cum laude from Villa Maria College with a degree in Home Economics. She spent many years as a substitute teacher at Highland Park, New Trier, and Lake Forest High Schools, and also ran several successful home-based sewing and cooking businesses.

A woman of boundless energy and creativity, Sonya approached life with curiosity and joy. She loved reading, playing bridge, attending concerts at the Ravinia Festival, and seeing productions at the Marriott Theatre. She delighted in browsing thrift stores and estate sales, always searching for treasures that reflected her originality and keen sense of color. She was rarely far from her sewing machine or art room, where she crafted quilted baby blankets, designed costumes for local theater productions, and created her signature handmade greeting cards. An avid swimmer, she spent countless hours in the pool or at Lake Michigan—she was never one to let a little cold water deter her.

Above all, Sonya loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her family will forever treasure their memories of searching for the perfect rock to paint at the beach, enjoying impromptu picnics at Sunset Park, or baking chocolate chip cookies.

Sonya was preceded in death by her first husband, Carl Greenberg (1970), and her second husband, Jerry Konopken (2019). She is survived by her three children, Hilary (Brian), Bruce (Jurgita), and Gary Greenberg (Mindy); by Jerry's three children, Jodi (Bob), Bob (Laura), and Sue (Marc); as well as fourteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Sonya was truly one of a kind—a woman whose originality shone brightly in everything she did. She had a rare gift for uplifting those around her simply by her presence. May her memory bring comfort to those who loved her and inspire all of us to carry forward the legacy of her remarkable spirit.

In place of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to your local Hadassah or to a charity of your choice. L'chaim.