Sonya GEDSTAD Obituary

GEDSTAD, Sonya (Oyan) Sonya (Oyan) Gedstad of Farmington, formerly of Simsbury, passed away on Saturday, (December 11, 2010). She was the loving wife for 52 years of Warren Gedstad. Born March 18, 1936 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to the late Joseph M. and Ethel (Ranney) Oyan, Sonya attended the public schools of Sioux Falls, Luther College in Decorah, Iowa and the University of Illinois where she studied English Literature and music and then obtained a Master's Degree in English Literature from the University of Illinois at Chicago Circle. Passionate about the English language and with a life-long love of reading, poetry and world affairs, she served a variety of roles with the Friends of the Simsbury Library. Sonya also treasured music, the arts and travel. Following early accomplishments with the flute, piano and artist's brush, Sonya regularly enjoyed museums and performances in Chicago, Minneapolis, Hartford, New York, Boston, and her favorite summer destination, Tanglewood. She and Warren combined a love of travel and genealogy in trips to England and Norway. They celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on a trip to China. Sonya was a devoted member of P.E.O. and an active alumna of the ZTA sorority. She also served on various committees of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Avon. One of Sonya's greatest joys was her gardens which she lovingly tended over the years. Sonya has actively passed her appreciation for natural beauty, the love of reading, and the arts to her three beloved grandchildren. For 20 years, Sonya worked as a pension specialist, first for Connecticut General and then for Milliman and Robertson. She retired in 1997. In addition to her husband she is survived by two children, Jennifer DeMuth of Baltimore, MD and Eric Gedstad of Brookline, MA, granddaughters Sophie DeMuth and Lauren DeMuth, and grandson Tobin Gedstad. Her family is deeply grateful to the staff of the UCONN Medical Center and the McLean Health Center and Hospice in Simsbury for their loving, compassionate care for Sonya. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, (December 15th) from 5-7 p.m. at the Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, (December 16th) at 11 a.m. at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 224 Lovely Street in Avon with Pastor William Carter officiating. Burial services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the memorial fund of St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 224 Lovely Street, Avon, CT 06001 or to the American Cancer Society, 825 Brook Street, I-91 Tech Center, Rocky Hill, CT 06067. For online condolences please visit Sonya's Book of Memories at www.vincentfuneralhome.com.

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Published by Hartford Courant on Dec. 14, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Sonya GEDSTAD

13 Entries

Fred and Anne Fenn

December 8, 2021

I am so thankful for another chance to celebrate this beautiful woman. We just so loved Sonya. She was classy, brilliant, and truly beautiful inside and out. We still miss her.

Pat Pauly Brandenberger

September 9, 2011

Dear Warren, I was so sorry to hear the news of Sonya's passing. I was a ZTA sister at the University of Illinois with her. She asked me to be a bridesmaid in your wedding, but I have forgotten the reason that I wasn't able to do that. I do think of her and our wonderful college days often. I lived most of my life after college in Stow, Massachusetts, not too far from you in Connecticut but didn't know that until now. We retired to a lake in. Maine 15 years ago and I remain a resident with winters spent in Florida. My husband, Alpha Delta Phi, from U of I, died 14 years ago of lung cancer and my middle son passed 4 years ago from the dreaded pancreatic cancer. I always thought that he would be the one that would make it. You probably thought the same thing about Sonya. She was a lovely person and I am so glad that I knew her. My prayers are with you. Faith is what restored me, that and family and friends. I am so sorry. Pat Pauly Brandenberger

February 28, 2011

Dear Warren,

Leslie and I were saddened to learn the news of Sonya's passing.

We have a very fond memory of the time that you both came to dinner with the Willett's. We especially remember how much she enjoyed the epimedium that we gave her.

Please know that we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,
Hakim and Leslie

January 27, 2011

Carol and I were surely saddened by the news of Sonya's passing. It caused us to reflect on some of the earlier days when the Gedstads resided in the Peoria area (or was it Chicago?) and we Acacians collectively tried to learn how to make money in the stock market $20 at a time. While sorrow surely comes at a time like this one should not forget the earlier good times. Obviously, Sonya had not forgotten. Mel & Carol Rapp

The Hallenbeck Family

January 11, 2011

Dear Warren -

Our family continues to think of and remember your beloved Sonya. We will miss her dearly. Please know that we continue to keep you in our prayers. Hold tightly to your faith, it will bring you strength and comfort.

January 10, 2011

Dear Warren, I have many fond memories of Sonya and you both in band and at church. You have my deepest sympathy. Your friend, Ann Ledyard Land

Karen Brown

January 10, 2011

I went to Mark Twain School and was in the Mark Twain Bank and Washington Highschool with Sonya. She was always such a gracious person. Our condolences to Warren from Karen (and Warner) Brown

Ellen Gilson Voth

December 15, 2010

Dear Warren,

I am sad to learn the news of Sonya's passing.
Reading about her life, and seeing how she touched so many other lives, is an inspiration. Please know that I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,
Ellen

December 14, 2010

Dear Warren:

How sad I am to learn about Sonya's sudden passing. The news has been hanging heavily as I think about your loss. Please know I'll be praying for you during these difficult days.

Warmly,

Mark Channon
I Peter 5:7

Madge Vining

December 14, 2010

Dear, dear family,

I am so saddened by the unexpected passing of my ZTA sister, Sonya. She has been so special to me and I have truly lost a beautiful and loving friend . May God hold all of you in His arms as you go through these sorrowful times.

Anne Fenn

December 14, 2010

Fred and I consider Warren and Sonya very dear friends. We are so grateful for a fun memory from this past summer: They came to our home for dinner, but the best part was driving them in our 1947 DeSoto, then going for a walk along the Saville Dam in Barkhamsted. We finished with supper on the back porch. Sonya and I had a lot in common, with our love of language, music and the arts, and our conversations were stimulating and exciting. Our lives have been made far richer by knowing Sonya.

December 14, 2010

I worked with Sonya at Milliman for 7 years. She was a woman of great warmth and style and a wonderful mentor to me. I have often thought of her since she left. She was a very special lady.

Jane Torrey

December 14, 2010

Sonya will be missed by her Zeta sisters. She was always caring about others.
I remember her presentation of China at one of our meetings; given with so much thought and depth. The Christmas wreaths Sonya created as our donation to the Atheneum's Festival of trees were so artistic and striking. Sonya was always such a gracious hostess and interesting conversationalist. I recall Sonya telling us when she discovered her Hartford roots at a family reunion. One of her ancestors was a member of Thomas Hooker's original colony and is buried in Hartford. I'm a history buff too.

Sonya rest in peace. You'll always be in your sisters' hearts.

My deepest sympathy to Warren and Family.

Barbara Bowman

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