Sonya Kennedy

Sonya (known as Toni to her friends) was born Sonya Ruth Gearhart on April 19,1932 to Ephraim Maclay Gearhart Jr. & Ruth Gertrude Gearhart (Wilson) in Erie Pennsylvania. She had two younger brothers, Maclay and Gordon ( now deceased).

The family moved to Peoria, Illinois and then to Kirkwood, Missouri.

From there they moved to Oak Park, Illinois, where she graduated from Oak Park River Forest High School.

Sonya loved music and singing, and was a member of the accapella choir and she also sang in many school productions of operettas.

She joined the U.S. Air Force and received an honorable discharge.

Sonya attended the University of Michigan where she received a

BA in Literature, Science and Arts .

After graduating, she worked at Willow Run Airport, which was owned by the University of Michigan, and continued to work for the University as an editor at the Highway Safety Institute and finally as an editor at

The Institute for Social Research until she retired. Upon retirement she enjoyed reading, gardening, and taking care of her beloved cats.

Sonya was very involved in local Michigan politics and Women’s rights.

She was married twice; her first husband was Bertram Peretz (now deceased),

and her second husband was George Kennedy (now deceased).

Sonya is survived by her sons Daniel Peretz and his wife Linda;

Jonathon Peretz and his wife Dawn; her brother Maclay Gearhart and his wife Pat; six nieces and nephews, and their children; and many friends.

Sonya was cremated per her wishes.

There will be a service at 10:00 AM, on Friday, January 10, 2019 at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a few of Sonya's favorite

charities; The Humane Society of Michigan, and The American Lung Association.