Sonja Lee Smith
June 23, 2021
Sonja Lee Smith
Of Verona, PA passed away on June 23, 2021 she was 78 years old. Born in 1943 in Pikeville, KY, she was the daughter of Lossie G. Smith and Zella Breeding Smith.
Sonja’s career as a nurse spanned over 40 years including roles in everything from bedside nursing to administration. She began her career as a cardiac intensive care registered nurse in Lynchburg, Virginia and helped to build the coronary intensive care nursing program there. She obtained a Master of Public Policy from Carnegie Mellon University and retired from nursing leadership in 2005 from UPMC St. Margaret Hospital in Aspinwall, PA.
“Honey” as she was affectionately known by her family, was a doting aunt to her three nieces and nephew. After retiring, she especially enjoyed time with her great nieces and nephews. She had a deep appreciation of nature, was a joyful gardener, and a devoted caretaker for many animal companions. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, and her most loyal companions, Boots and Missy.
Sonja is survived by her brothers—Darwin Neal Smith (Linda) and William Lynn Smith (June), sister-in-law—Saundra Krantz Smith, nieces—Amanda Smith Kile, Meaghan Smith Carreras, and Jessica Smith Amara, nephew—Adam Smith, and many great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother, Gary Dean Smith.
Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Animal Friends, 562 Camp Horne Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237.
Rest In Peace. Thank you for all the childhood memories, the Morgan theater trama, the county fair, and learning to heat the pancake syrup. See you again soon.
I had not keep in contact with my cousins, which i am so sorry . I have thought of sonja and darvin and william and gary many times but never followed through to contact them.
I am so sorry sonja has left us. she was such a great, loving person and always fun to be around.
Sonja was one of the best Unit Directors I ever had. She was so smart and kind. It truly was an honor to work with her. She will be missed.
I had the pleasure of working in the same office as Sonja. Very kind woman and a superb nurse. My sympathies to her family and her pets.
Sorry to hear of her passing. She was such a nice lady.
Thank you Honey for being such a great influence in my wife’s life. We will miss you greatly. Rest in peace and God bless you.
I had the honor and good fortune to work with Sonja for over 25 years at Saint Margaret’s! She was one of the toughest bosses I have ever known. I pride myself on the professional nurse that I am, in no small part thanks to Sonja. RIP Sonja.
She was professional and hard working. Her fine example encouraged others to always do their best and strive for excellence. Thank you for your dedication Sonja. Peace to you.
The Best Ever. Truly an asset to nursing ,family and friends
One of the best nurses that graced the halls of St Margaret Hospital It was an honor to work with her.
We had great times in the recovery room and she was a great teacher. Thank you Sonja.