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SONYA STARR Obituary
Sonya Starr, a remarkable, beautiful and vivacious woman who loved and lived life to its fullest, died peacefully in her New York City apartment on Sunday, August 9, following a courageous battle with lymphoma. She was 68. Raised by a strong and loving grandmother and mother in a close-knit Russian family that had escaped Stalinist Russia, Sonya came with her family to New York City as a very young girl. When her father, a noted Dostoevsky scholar, joined the faculty at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the family relocated to Troy, NY, where Sonya, recognized for her intellectual promise, entered Russell Sage College at age 15. Receiving a master's degree in Russian Literature from the State University of New York at Albany and fluent in Russian, French and Spanish, Sonya realized she had a unique talent for business. She also had an appreciation for historic buildings, and at a time when inner cities in New York, such as Albany and Troy, were focusing on revitalization, she built a successful real estate company by acquiring, renovating and managing older residential buildings. Wide-ranging and accomplished, Sonya was a true Renaissance woman. She had a deep love of literature, art and nature, and was devoted to her two Yorkies, Misha and Sasha. With her life partner, she amassed an important collection of vintage photographs and sculpture. Sonya was also an accomplished gardener and took great pride in the exquisite natural landscape and sculpture garden she created at her summer home in East Hampton, NY. Her exceptional taste extended beyond the garden to her personal style and elegant decor of her homes. Her enthusiasm for life, wonderful humor, sharp intelligence and peerless creativity will be deeply missed by friends and family, and her memory forever cherished by Lisa Rosenblum her spouse and partner of 36 years. Donations in Sonya Starr's memory, in lieu of flowers, would be appreciated to: Citymeals-on-Wheels, New York, NY or the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons, Wainscott, NY.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for SONYA STARR
Sponsored by Vincent James Abramo, Arlington Virginia.
Judith Hope
August 6, 2024
I still think of Sonya, and I still miss her. She just lit up the room when she walked in. Such a terrible loss to not have her any more.
Nitty singh
August 5, 2024
Sonya , thinking of you and the great times we shared ! You were one of a kind and we were Blessed to have your friendship and love . I met you through Lisa and tennis and our bond only became stronger though the years . You became family and my family still remembers your India trip ! Will miss you at my Tennis Hall of Fame Induction ceremony in a couple of weeks . Lisa will be there and you too in spirit . Gone but never forgotten . Nitty Singh Naples Fl.
Sandra Torres
January 9, 2019
-I just came across this Obituary and needless to say I was shocked, even though it has been many many years since Sophie and I had communicated.
-Sophie and I knew eachother when she was younger; she lived in Manhattan, during the years when she lived at her grandmother's.
- We were neighbors and I was a few years younger than her.
-My family lived in the building next door (on Riverside Drive); before she and her parents moved to Troy.
-Shortly thereafter, my family moved to Los Angeles, California and after a few years of corresponding, we lost tract of eachother.
-I always enjoyed listening to her play, the piano, at her grandmother's, and I have never forgotten, how beautifully she played.
-I was aware that she had married, and divorced but I never knew if she had any children.
Fond memories . . .
My condelences to her family and her life partner, Lisa.
Vincent Abramo
November 29, 2015
I met Sonja through mutual friends in 1968 when she was teaching at Hudson Valley. I was a young bricklayer at the time with Local # 6 in Albany. She drove me to several brick jobs including two in Cooperstown New York... the High School and Oneonta State College. I wonder if the seeds were planted then for her career in building, construction renovation and real estate development?
Ahmad Shahidi
August 31, 2015
Dear Lisa, I was saddened and shocked when learned about your loss this morning From Michael. You're in my thoughts.
Florence Mausert
August 26, 2015
Lisa,
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
clifton trent
August 22, 2015
Dear Sonya, I remember when we first met on that exotic evening in Acapulco, Mexico. I was singing "My Way" with the Holiday Inn band and you and Herb invited me to your table. I asked if you were 'betrothed' (something Herb remembers 'til this day!) I was only 28 years old and found you to be the friendliest and most intelligent girl I'd ever met. We partied for a few days, you and Herb flew back to New York, where I met you months later and continued to party, which we'd done several times down through the following years. In 1984, while I was anchored aboard my sailboat (Compass Rose) in Bar Harbor, Maine and enroute to Prince Edward Island, Canada, you flew in and we attended a Maine lobster party. Only a year later, I was 'living aboard' and began sailing the world. Twenty-five years, many post cards and nautical miles later, I called you by phone and you said that you were still traveling and happily "betrothed"! Sonya, I feel lucky that our paths in life had crossed and hope to see you (someday) in that great home above. Your Friend, Captain Clift
Susan Fishman
August 17, 2015
Dear Lisa & Herb,
It was a shock to learn of Sonya's passing even though it has been a long time since my many years of employment by her. I am grateful for the much I learned from Sonya through my work for her and she has remained in my life through memory and shall always be here as a part of that. My deepest condolences. May her memory be a blessing to you both.
Gaynor Hartigan
August 16, 2015
Lisa - I was saddened and schocked when I was told about your loss this morning. Sonya had a peerless enthusiasm and style which she brought to every situation, and I can't imagine your grief. I hope you don't mind if I have a mass said for Sonya. Gaynor Hartigan
Kay S.
August 15, 2015
Herb,
So sorry for your loss. I knew you and Sonya from the Albany days. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
~KS
August 13, 2015
Dear Lisa, a very bright light has gone out of our lives. I am so sad for all of us but especially for you.
Much love,
Judith
Richard Marcley
August 13, 2015
Herb:
I was stunned to read this. First Jensie and now Sonya!
I offer my condolences!
Sorrell Chesin
August 12, 2015
Lisa - I was stunned to see Sonya's obituary. Her photo brought back some wonderful memories of my friendship with her even though I've been out of touch for such a long time.
I think it was 1968-69 when a friend and I went to Kirker's Restaurant in Latham for dinner. Sonya was the hostess who sat us at a table and he and I just could not stop looking at her throughout dinner. Her smile and beauty was captivating. As it turned out, that event opened a friendship with her and I came to see her in a much broader context. She was intelligent, articulate, thoughtful, modest, well educated and engaging beyond her good looks. Along the way, she took a different path, one that must have been closer to her heart.
My deepest condolences to you on such a profound loss. In reading the comments from many of her friends, I think we all feel a loss but cherish her memory.
eunice aison-schwwartz
August 12, 2015
Dear Lisa, Sophie Seduro nd I were neighbors on Mellon Ave. We became good friends at Russell Sage. She was a beautiful and gracious person...full of laughter. I remember all the long walks on summer nights around Sycaway laughing and talking the entire night!I am truly sorry for your loss and will think of Sonya fondly. Many memories.
Peggy Douglass
August 12, 2015
Lisa,
Sonya and I went to Russell Sage together and were good friends. Although I do not know you, I extend my condolences at this time of sorrow.
Paul & Judith LeClerc & Ginsberg
August 11, 2015
Dear Lisa;
We send you are deepest sympathy on the loss of your beloved Sonya. We admired her greatly. She was enormously talented. Sincerely,
Karen Ayres
August 11, 2015
Lisa I am very sorry for your loss. I will keep you both in my prayers.
August 11, 2015
Lisa,sorry for your loss.Sonya was good woman and a great boss and will be miss.Mark D.Vandenburgh Albany,New York
Chef Michael Kosh
August 11, 2015
Please accept my condolences at this time,...
Michael Rice
August 11, 2015
Lisa, so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always!
August 11, 2015
Dear Lisa, Sonya was a brilliant light in our universe. I am so saddened to learn of her passing. Please know all your friends are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Much love from Sharon in Seattle.
Nitty singh
August 11, 2015
Lisa, Sonya was a remarkakable person and friend . She will be missed by many though not as much as you! We were all fortunate to have her brighten our lives and thank God for that. Please visit us in naples anytime . Our door is always open for you like it was for her .
Kate Sotiridy
August 11, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. Sonya was a wonderful person and a good friend. She will be missed. You are both in my prayers.
Michael Corso
August 11, 2015
Lisa,
My deepest condolences to you. I wish you all the strength necessary during these very challenging days ahead.
Robert Walsh
August 11, 2015
Wonderful outgoing and fabulous, a gem. Big hug and love to Lisa!!!
John Norris
August 11, 2015
Sonya and I were friends back in the Willett Street days. Her style and grace impressed everyone she met. My best memories of her will always include attending the dressage competitions in Saratoga. She is in my prayers.
Ray Hull
August 11, 2015
Lisa, you and Sonny were just getting started back when we were professional and political pals; I am saddened by her death, but delighted to learn that your partnership has flourished through the years. Please accept my condolences and best wishes for your future.
Neil Silbert
August 11, 2015
Gone too soon... Lisa, so sorry for your loss.
August 11, 2015
Lisa:
So sorry for your loss. You're both in my prayers and thoughts.
John McArdle
August 11, 2015
Herb and Lisa, I am very sorry to see this. Sonya was a beautiful person!
Donna Langan
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