SONDRA HENRY

1930 - 2021

HENRY--Sondra Parkoff, born April 3, 1930, died peacefully in her home in Chevy Chase, MD on July 23, 2021 at the age of 91. Sondra was born in Brooklyn, NY and was a lifelong New Yorker who loved New York museums, theater, and restaurants. She and her beloved husband of 61 years, Dr. Edward Ian Henry, lived in Great Neck, NY for most of their marriage, until moving in 2011 to Maryland where their daughter resides. Edward died in December 2011. Sondra ("Sonny") attended Julia Richman High School, Bennington College, and Columbia University Law School. She was one of only eight women to graduate Columbia Law School in 1953. In addition to her work as a family court lawyer, Sonny was an author, with friend and co-author, Emily Taitz, of many books on Jewish women in history, Israel, and a series of biographies for young adults, which she hoped would provide positive role models for young people. The most important aspect of her life was her marriage, and her children, all of whom she adored: Scott (Terry), Tricia (Howard) Sachs, and Gordon (Debbie), wonderful grandchildren Rachel (Ben) Brody, Ben, Jennifer, Oliver, Logan, Spencer and Theo, and she was especially delighted to have become a great-grandmother of Lila and Jordan. She deeply loved and appreciated the continuing support of her sister Linda Davidson (Jeff) and relatives Justin (Ari) and Milo Davidson; Chris (Stacey) and Sarah Davidson; and Howard (Sylvie) and Ilya Kamens. Sonny and Edward loved travel and made over 40 trips worldwide with dear friends Laura and Murray Braverman. They also shared many family reunion trips with their children and grandchildren and spent summers at their beloved family bungalow in Glen Spey, NY. She was deeply grateful for her wonderful life and family, and lived to the end with enjoyment and gratitude, especially to her family and all the dedicated and caring staff of the Five Star Senior Residence of Chevy Chase. She felt fortunate to have stayed in contact with so many lifelong friends, and to have made close friends at Five Star as well. Contributions in her memory can be made to Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA Hospice) of Rockville, MD. Graveside services will be held Tuesday, July 27 at 10 am at Judean Gardens, 16225 Batchellors Forest Road, Olney, MD 20832.