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Irene Sonnenklar Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Irene Sonnenklar
Iris B Feldman
November 23, 2025
Remember always Irene´s warmth. She was a wonderful friend.
I think of her often.
Julie Scheel
November 23, 2025
Irene continues present in our hearts as a good friend with whom we share memories of special times together. In the kitchen: " Julie, let me show you how to open an avacado! Need a Jewish calendar? I can fix you up! " to name a couple fun things. Yes, we remember her--her laugh and her smile and the joy of being grandparents to a special young man. Love and blessings.
Julie and Ken Scheel
September 23, 2025
Irene is a special friend, tucked in our hearts and minds. We are grateful for her life and for her friendship. And, Ken would say--also for her deliciously cooked ribs.
Our thoughts are with all her family and friends remembering her and her beautiful smile today.
Iris B Feldman
November 23, 2024
Irene, a warm person, who will always be remembered as a true friend.
Adam Sonnenklar
November 23, 2024
It has been 9 long years since I lost this wonderful woman, my wife. May you rest in peace, my dear Irene.
Iris B Feldman
November 25, 2022
I will always remember Irene´s kindness
She was a good friend with a big heart.
Wish I could talk to her today but I can´t.
Rest in peace. Iris
MIRIAM POPPER
November 24, 2022
Another year has passed and you still live on in my memory so vividly with your warm smile, beautiful personality, cheerfulness and friendliness. I will never forget how you tried to connect to Sanyi and make conversation with him though he didn't speak English and your Hebrew was very limited. Two beutiful people I hope you get together in Heaven where you both deserve to dwell.
Adam Sonnenklar
November 23, 2022
Irene darling,
There is not one day that I don't mourn your passing. I miss you and hope we will be together again in the afterlife.
miriam Popper
November 24, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Adam Sonnenklar
November 23, 2021
This will be the 6th anniversary of my beloved Irene's passing and I desperately miss her. She was the engine of my life, my friend and love. May she continue to rest in peace.
Adam Sonnenklar
November 24, 2020
I will miss my Irene for the rest of my life, an unforgettable person, my lovely wife, and my partner in life. May you continue to rest in peace
Julie and Ken Scheel
November 23, 2020
Our Friend, Irene! She is treasured and missed! Thoughts of her are with us often. Who can forget that sunshine smile and the sharing of food and family. How thankful we are for that friendship! Loving thoughts are with all of the Sonnenklars today. Ken and Julie
Milada Redly
November 23, 2019
We shall never forget the times we shared lunches on the grass before heading to the theatre in Stratford. Irene and Adam brought bagels, Julius and I brought cold cuts from Ziggy's. We miss the many good times we had together. Milada and Julius
Patti Stetson
March 11, 2016
When I think of Irene there are so many memorable moments. We met some 18 years ago at Dan's Frame and Art picture framing shop. Through Irene's work orders I became a better framer going from one or two pieces at a time to orders of 80 to 90 or more pieces. I became skilled and organized in delivering these larger jobs. Irene was easy to work with but she always demanded excellence.
Three years into framing with Dan I opened my own shop and was fortunate to connect with another designer like Irene who kept me extremely busy. One day Irenecame in and asked if I would do some framing for her. I was soooo busy and said "I couldn't". Well words have meaning and notuntil years later did I learn she had heard "I wouldn't".I was sad to know I had hurt her feelings.
We soon got over this and began having lunch, when we could, about once a month where we caught up. Over lunch we would discuss family, work and politics. I remember one of our first political discussions of long ago. While we were waiting for our sandwich order we discussed the upcoming 2008 presidential election. I was quite NEW and GREEN to politics back then, and said to her "I just don't get what is so important about Obama's senatorial seat. Why so much discussion about the 'sale' of his seat." I speculated on if it was ergonomically designed, of a special leather or fabric, whether his butt burps didn't stink, etc. She broke into that unforgettable laughter and said the Chicago activists were buying the power of the senatorial seat not the senator's seat. She got me there--I had a lot to learn. We had many more discussions over lunch, many accompanied by that hearty laughter so hard to forget.
I will always have fond memories of Irene both in the workplace and on our own time.
Patty Stetson
Leslie Sonnenklar
February 19, 2016
Mom, words cannot express how much I miss you. I love you with all of my heart and will think of you in all that I do. Thanks for all that you gave me, taught me and instilled in me. You were the best mom a girl could ever have. I love you!
Steve Niemiec
February 12, 2016
Mark and I went to high school together. Every single time I visited the Sonnenklar household, Irene made me feel like part of the family. Adam and Irene always took the time to make me feel welcome. This never changed throughout the years. I feel so fortunate that I was able to see her a few months ago. That last visit was so special to me. I miss her.
February 2, 2016
Every Thursday I looked forward to playing bridge with Irene. We would have great discussions about the direction of this country and the world we are leaving our grandchildren. We were both concerned about the rise of anti-semitism in Europe and on the college campus. We talked about our love of Israel and I am so happy she was able to make the last trip to Israel to see family and friends. I miss our Thursdays and our great talks. She was a smart lady and I very much enjoyed her company.
With love for Irene and her family.
Sandy Belfer
Mari Popper
January 30, 2016
"To know her was to love her"-this is so true! I am sorry we didn't have the chance to spend more time in Irene's company but from the few hours we have spent together since her wedding with my only cousin Adam and throughout the years she had such a pleasant personality, wise, calm and smiling. She made great efforts to communicate with Sanyi in Hebrew and had a great sense of humor. We had the unique gift of spending with her some time the last summer during your trip to Israel not knowing it was the last time we would spend together. Cousin Adam you can consider yourself a lucky person to have had such a companion for life. It was too short and we grieve with you this cruel loss. Mari & Sanyi Popper, Israel
Marc Raphael
January 27, 2016
I think of Irene most every day I play bridge. I miss her laugh and seeing her car. She surely was a TNT lady.
Elizabeth Marchelewski
January 27, 2016
I only had the pleasure of meeting Irene a couple of times, but she was lovely. This might sound silly, but I hope she finally finds all her lost earrings, including the one she lost at my house.
Renay Weiner
January 26, 2016
Every time I get off the elevator at the bridge club I miss Irene greeting everyone. Renay Danto Weiner
Siona and Joel Horwitz
January 14, 2016
Dear Adam, Mark, Lesley and Family
We met Irene and Adam through mutual Friends Rosie and Dorie Little, 30 years ago. Becoming close friends we played tennis, went to movies, concerts, dinners, and talked politics, always enjoying each other's company. Irene spent many hours with us in Old Scottsdale buying art in the galleries, and selecting frames. We celebrated each other's family simchas in Calgary, Scottsdale, and California. When we were not in the same city, we were in touch by email and long distance phone calls. Irene always welcomed us when wintering in Scottsdale. We considered Irene a good friend, part of our Family. There will be an empty place in our lives without her. She will be sorely missed.
Siona, Joel Horwitz and Family
Miriam Ailloni-Charas
January 12, 2016
How to describe Irene - We all have lost a good and real friend. She was smart, determined, warm, faithful, principled and honest.
On top of which she had a great sense of humor.
Irene left behind a great void for her husband, children and her many friends.
My heart goes out to all.
Miriam Ailloni-Charas
January 11, 2016
Dear Adam and family,
from the moment I met Irene, we both felt an affinity towards each other. We were both new teachers in a new school with no other friends there and we both happened to marry a Hungarian. We were also very lucky , because not only did we like each other, our husbands liked each other and we enjoyed getting together as couples.
Who can forget the many excursions to Stratford to see a play and enjoy a picnic in the park :bagels and cold cuts from Ziggy's Deli. No wine in those days, since drinking in a park was illegal.
In spite of the fact that we wound up living far from each other, our friendship has continued . Irene was a wonderful person, always straight forward, there was nothing false or artificial about her. She said what she meant and meant what she said. In these days of ""insta this and "insta" that, Irene was the genuine thing. Our most recent memory is of our visit in Phoenix, sightseeing, enjoying Irene's and Adam's generosity, good times and good food.
Dear Irene, ours was a long distance relationship, but you will always be near to our hearts and we will never forget you or your heartfelt laugh.
Sleep in peace our dear, dear friend, Milada and Julius Redly
January 10, 2016
Dearest Irene,
We always loved your infectious laughter at our bridge games and the times spent with Adam and our mutual friends.
We look forward to joining you in the big game. Save us a spot.
Judy and Chris McNaughton
January 10, 2016
We have had the pleasure of knowing Irene for over 50 years, and have always enjoyed her for her sweet smile and outlook on life. Norma and I will miss her very much, Our prayers go with her.
Norma and Elliott Hoffman.
New Years Eve 2009
Iris & George Karady
January 10, 2016
Irene was truly a friend.
George and I met Irene and Adam 30 years ago when we arrived in Arizona in 1986. A Hungarian ASU professor introduced us one evening and we became fast friends. In fact, we played tennis the next morning and have remained friends since. We discovered that all 4 of us enjoyed theater, opera, concerts, and international travel. We socialized often to enjoy cultural events or to catch up on our lives at a dinner outing. Most important Irene and I shared family values. Our favorite subjects were our husbands, children and grandchildren.
Passover Seder was an annual event at the Sonnenklars. No one will be able to duplicate Irene's matzo ball soup. George and I and my Mother Hannah were always welcome to this event. Every Christmas Eve Irene and Adam would join us for dinner, where we exchanged thoughtful gifts. This year Irene was sorely missed.
Irene was the most loving person I know. She could be counted on to help in any circumstance. I miss my friend, Irene.
George and I met Irene and Adam 30 years ago when we arrived in Arizona in 1986. A Hungarian ASU professor introduced us one evening and we became fast friends. In fact, we played tennis the next morning and have remained friends since. We discovered that all 4 of us enjoyed theater, opera, concerts, and international travel. We socialized often to enjoy cultural events or to catch up on our lives at a dinner outing. Most important Irene and I shared family values. Our favorite subjects were our husbands, children and grandchildren.
Passover Seder was an annual event at the Sonnenklars. No one will be able to duplicate Irene's matzo ball soup. George and I and my Mother Hannah were always welcome to this event. Every Christmas Eve Irene and Adam would join us for dinner, where we exchanged thoughtful gifts. This year Irene was sorely missed.
Irene was the most loving person I know. She could be counted on to help in any circumstance. I miss my friend, Irene.
January 10, 2016
I met Irene in 1967 in Vienna, Austria as the wife of my best friend Adam, and the impression she made it became stronger and better as years went by. She was smart, intelligent, charming, caring and above all she proved to be a best friend throughout the years always ready to help almost anybody in need. She was a model of wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Her smiling hospitality was unmatched and the kitchen was always open for action. (The Bar was Adam's department). For me, the most memorable about Irene were our conversations. Words cannot express how much I miss her. We are sending our deepest condolences to Adam, Mark, Leslie and close relatives.
Andrei & Eniko Reich, Tel Aviv
Evelyn & Leon Zeitzer
January 5, 2016
We will miss Irene. We enjoyed the symphony and going to the theatre with her and Adam. The last days she spent with her family where an amazing show of love. We will always remember her.
Judy Slotnik
January 3, 2016
Dear Leslie, Adam and Mark,
I have been thinking of you nonstop for the last month. Irene's passing cannot be easy for you.
I always loved hearing about Irene and Adam's world travels and seeing them when they came to DC. I especially loved seeing her in Arizona and enjoying her delicious salads. After one dinner, I quickly drove the grocery store and purchased three bottles of Salad Supreme.
Irene never did understand how I kept my Democratic loyalties and wasn't shy about saying so. She was so thrilled to hear that Jayson was a Republican and always asked if I've left the dark side to become enlightened.
Irene was such a caring, loving, warm and generous woman, even when she was angry when Leslie and I walked in the door at 3:00 a.m. during the summer of 1991. She cared so much for Mark and Leslie and for your safety and well being.
I truly felt like a second daughter to Irene during the month I lived with you on Yucca. I loved driving Irene's AstroVan and slicing veggies with her in the kitchen. Your dear mom kept me on my toes and always laughing.
I am sending many warm hugs your way and am thinking of you at this sad and difficult time.
Judy
January 3, 2016
Dear Leslie, Adam and Mark,
Please know I have been thinking of you all at this sad and difficult time.
I always looked forward to hearing stories about Irene(and Adam's) world travels and seeing Irene during DC visits. Of course I always loved our AZ visits and enjoying her salads. In fact, after one of her amazing dinners, I drove to the grocery store and bought three small bottles of Salad Supreme.
I'll never forget the summer I lived with your family and Irene had no problem letting me drive her silver Astro Van and acting like a permanent member of your family. For that month I truly felt like Irene's second daughter, slicing veggies in the kitchen and laughing with her.
Your dear mother was always so generous and warm and kind and loving, even when she was angry when Leslie and I walked in the door one night at 3:00 a.m. She clearly cared so much about her children and their safety and well being.
I am so sorry for your loss. I am sending so many hugs your way...
Paul Levine
December 31, 2015
I was truly blessed to know Irene. She was so warm, funny, and caring, I always felt like one of her children. I looked forward to coming to the Sonnenklars every year, just to laugh with wonderful Irene and Adam. I'm sure she's up in heaven already playing bridge with the other Angels. RIP, dear Irene. You will be greatly missed.
Rosie Marcelo
December 31, 2015
Irene,
Jonah and Maya lost one half of the Grandmother team that you were a major part of. Your endless love for them will remain in their lives and you will never be forgotten.
Becca Schecter
December 30, 2015
What a wonderful person your mom was to have two such wonderful kids... who are both kind, compassionate and wonderful friends. May her memory be a blessing.
Lori Berman
December 30, 2015
I'm am so sorry for all of you. I hope that her wonderful memories will bring you peace and comfort.
Stacey Siekman
December 30, 2015
Mr. Sonnenklar, Mark, & Leslie, words can not express the painful emotions of grief that flood every inch of our lives with the loss of a loved one. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of this incredible woman, wife, mother, & friend. We shared many amazing times together over the years, and now we join each other here on earth without our precious loved ones. May you find peace in your hearts as you begin this difficult phase of the journey. May ALL the memories stay strong in your hearts! Love to each of you during this very difficult time!
Kimberly King
December 30, 2015
Leslie my dear friend you were certainly blessed to have such a beautiful mother. It was always a great conversation and good wine with Irene one classy lady indeed she will be deeply miss❤Cherish your love Ones❤ Love & Prayers to your family❤
Michelle Kiel
December 30, 2015
Mr. Sonnenklar, Adam and my dear friend, Leslie,
My deepest condolences on the passing of a woman that gave you all so much. Reading about her along with the years of seeing your loving family warms my heart that you were blessed with such an amazing woman to love and be loved by. I pray that your hearts are comforted by all the great memories and lessons. She will be missed.
Love, Michelle Kiel
& Angie Daddario
December 29, 2015
Adam, Mark, and Leslie,
We have had the privilege to know Irene for many years. We always appreciated how much she cared for us and always made us feel so welcome and loved when we saw her. She will be greatly missed. Love you guys. Nick and Angie Daddario
Michael Barker
December 29, 2015
I have so many warm memories of Irene, which span over two decades now. She was always so present in every conversation I had with her. She was kind and thoughtful and wasn't afraid to let you know that she cared for your happiness and well-being. I will always feel a deep gratitude for having known her. All my love goes out to Adam, Mark, and Leslie.
Matt and Polly Hall
December 29, 2015
Dear Mark and Family -
Your family is a connection to ours through years of friendship and love. Your mom's life exemplified her spirit and nature, which will live on in all of the lives she impacted and the love she instilled in you and yours. Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family during your time of loss. Please know how much we love you and are embracing you across the distance at this time.
Matt and Polly Hall
Brad Copeland
December 29, 2015
The bridge game when Irene and Adam first met must've been something--to've been a fly on that wall! I thoroughly enjoyed my times with your loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, and I will miss her too. Sending peace and strength to the Sonnenklar family and all those who knew her dearly.
Andras and Etty Shimon
December 28, 2015
My wife and I have known Irene since we arrived in Phoenix in 1994.
As "newcomers" to the valley and to the US her and Adam "took us under their wings" to help us in any way possible.
There were periods when we were at their lovely home on Yucca Street on a daily basis.
Lots of good times, laughter and pleasant memories I will remember forever.
A dear and lovely lady that will be very much missed.
Julie and Ken Scheel
December 28, 2015
What a wonderful honor and blessing to have called Irene, my friend, Irene. How we will miss her. We shared family and friendship. What an interesting and amazing story her life has been. Her smile, her many talents, her presence will be missed by many. We will keep her close as we think of her--in all of the ways that she blessed our lives. Our love and sympathy to Adam, Mark, Leslie and all her family and friends.
Julie and Ken Scheel
On the way to Europe in 1967
Herwig Wandschneider
December 27, 2015
Dear Adam, Leslie and Mark,
Memories go back many. many decades, beginning with the time we - Irene, Adam and I - traveled together on a Charter Plane to Europe almost 50 years ago, and our children played together in the backyard on Gordon Road in Willowdale. We missed Irene and the family way back then, when the family left for Scottsdale, but were fortunate to enjoy many memorable days and evenings at the home in Scottsdale, always welcomed by Irene and Adam to extended hospitality with lively discussions over Irene's expertly prepared meals and Adam's specialty mixes, well into the night. I missed her presence and always upbeat spirit in the decades since the family went south, but enjoyed the same spirit during the unfortunately short visits I was able to make to the home since then. I will miss her always now and in the future, but cherish the memories of the short times our families had together way back in the 1960's and 70's and I personally have from my visits and her always welcoming hospitality.
December 26, 2015
Dear Adam, Mark and Leslie,
David and I will sadly miss Irene very much. We always enjoyed our getting together and our interesting political discussions.
She was a kind and lovely person and we had too short a time with her. We hope she is at peace.
Dorothy and David Fish.
Jenice Benton
December 26, 2015
Dear Adam and Mark and Leslie -
I so enjoyed knowing and working with Irene for so many years! She was talented, creative, and smart! We always had great conversations while we worked on our framing projects together. I will miss her.
And she was so proud of her family!
My hope is that a lifetime of happy memories of good times spent will stay with you always.... She was a wonderful lady...
Our best - Jenice and John Benton
Patricia Shaler
December 26, 2015
I only had the privilege of knowing Irene for 5 years and in the brief time found her very impressive. She had a high degree of innate intelligence and a broad background of experience. Notable was that as a young girl she took off from Canada with her backpack to travel the world. Ultimately, she met her husband over a bridge game in Israel where the 4 players did not share a common language! Bridge is difficult as is - trying to play it multilingually is unimaginable. I loved her wonderful sense of humor when I could coax her to tell these stories. In the coming of age of 'women's lib' - Irene just went out and did it. I miss the not having the opportunity to know her for more years and to hear more stories. Sincerely, Pat Shaler
Susan Shelley
December 18, 2015
Dear Mark and family,
Deepest sympathy on the loss of Irene. I hope the embrace of warm memories and the sparkle of her spirit bring you comfort at this difficult time, and inspiration always. Fondly, Susan Shelley
Scott Weiss
December 17, 2015
Dear Adam, Mark, and Leslie,
I have been lucky to know your family for a long time. I have enjoyed watching you all support each other through the years. I love you all and am supporting you through this difficult time. I will always remember your Mom as a positive strong person, and it figures that Mark and Leslie received so much from her. We will remember her forever.
Love,
Scott & Andi Weiss
Johnny Kennedy
December 17, 2015
Your memory is blessing. You are sorely missed by Adam and your children Mark and Leslie, grandchildren, and your many friends. Many blessings. Your life was a miracle.
Michael Halberstadt
December 17, 2015
Dear Mark and family,
I am so sorry for your very sad loss. May you be comforted among all mourners in Zion and Jerusalem.
I have made a contribution to Wounded Warriors Project in your Mom's honor. May she rest in peace.
Mark Ventre
December 15, 2015
I loved the excitement I felt coming over Marks house whenever Irene was in town. I knew that I was going to get a warm heart felt greeting of genuine love. Her wonderful blend of humor and wit mixed with tender motherly care will be deeply missed.
Mara Felsen
December 11, 2015
Mark and Leslie - I am so utterly sorry for your loss. Your mother was funny, sweet, and oh-so-direct (all qualities I value.) Adam, I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful wife. Words are insignificant at a time like this but please know that my memory of her is warm. She made an impact on everyone who met her.
Karen Dunham
December 2, 2015
Mark, Monica and your family - my heart hurts for your loss. I am sending love and light to help elevate your mom's soul.
Greg Marcelo Sr.
December 2, 2015
Irene, Rosie and I had the pleasure of meeting you and Adam in early 2009. Mark and Monica's courtship and marriage brought us very close. Later the births of Jonah and Maya cemented the relationship between their Grandparents of which the four of us were very proud of. I will miss having a glass of wine with you, and conversing on world affairs as well as discussing the future of Jonah and Maya. Rest in Peace sweet lady and know that your children and grandchildren miss you very much as well as this Gentile from Los Angeles does.
December 1, 2015
God be with you Irene or Mrs. Sonnenklar. We will miss you.
Love Maryanne (Bonj), Josh, Alex, Massimo, and Nico Berger
Adam Sonnenklar
December 1, 2015
You were the love of my life and I am lost without you. Rest in peace my Queen!
Brian Aronson
December 1, 2015
I hope she did not suffer.
May her memory be for a blessing.
Vesku Turtia
December 1, 2015
Mark, I met her in Madrid with your dad. We had great time togehter. She even said you were a great son :)! The news is sad. My thoughts are with you, your dad ! Quedad con las mejores recuerdos ! My love to your family Mark !
Mark Sonnenklar
December 1, 2015
I love you, mom. You will always be remembered.
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