Sonya Mary (Andersen) Dunham

DUNHAM – Sonya Mary (Andersen) Dunham, 88, formerly of New York, died on January 7, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts after suffering a stroke.  Sonya was born on July 19, 1932 in Cape Town, South Africa, daughter of the late Holger Christian Peter Andersen and Mary Adelaide Corbitt Andersen, and was raised in Zimbabwe.  She attended boarding school in Denmark and went on to study music with plans to become a music teacher like her mother.  Her early adult life was spent living in London, Vienna, and Mallorca.   

In the early 1960’s Sonya moved to New York City. She worked at the headquarters of the United Nations and later at Wall Street investment firm, G.H. Walker, where she met her husband-to-be William “Bill” Dunham.  Bill and Sonya were married in Greenwich, CT. and in addition to a lifetime of travel, they savored a vibrant social life in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood with great friends, lots of live jazz, fine dining, and peals of laughter.   

Sonya later became a successful real estate agent with New York’s Douglas Elliman. She had an extraordinary work ethic and thoroughly enjoyed helping and getting to know her clients from around the world, with whom she forged deep and lasting relationships.

Sonya was a marvelous cook and loved serving beautifully presented meals to friends and family.  With the magical ability to make things feel special and elegant, she hosted many fun gatherings. 

Sonya was a devoted friend.  She supported people in times of need - handling affairs, holding hands, and taking on difficult tasks, often with no fanfare.  Sonya was a caring mother to her daughter, and they had a very close relationship.   She was also an animal lover who had many cats that she adored.  She will be remembered by all for her incredible kindnesses.         

Sonya leaves behind her beloved daughter Amy (Dunham) Lyman, son-in-law Richard Lyman III and three grandchildren Christopher, James and Sarah, all of Newburyport, MA. She was predeceased by her husband William Dunham, and her brother Dennis Andersen. 

A private graveside service will be held in the spring.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ASPCA. 

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