John Bligh
- School secretary
- PS 57 Hubert H. Humphrey, Staten Island
Sonya Pendleton was known as a “dove of peace” for the calming effect she had on the entire PS 57 community. “Her compassion and loving heart were apparent in all her actions as she offered a helping hand to one and all,” said Patricia Lockhart, the Staten Island school’s chapter leader.
Sonya, 50, died on May 9 of myeloma cancer.
“She ran the main office with dignity and respected everyone’s confidentiality,” Lockhart said.
Sonya was a stay-at-home mom, caring for her five sons, before becoming a school aide at PS 57 in 2016.
“She did so well at her aide job that when our school secretary retired, Sonya was immediately hired and trained to fill that position as payroll/ principal’s secretary,” Lockhart said.
Sonya was known for calling her church to provide goods to school families in need. “She always presented herself with a professional elegance,” Lockhart said, and comforted students and their families who were in distress with heartfelt understanding.
She worked at the school for only about four years but made a lasting impact. “Sonya worked diligently, always with a smile on her face,” said Principal Karyn Lind.
“Our fond memories of her will last forever,” said Lockhart. “She will be sorely missed by the PS 57 family.”
Her husband, James, said Sonya gave “selflessly to meet others’ needs. She instilled Godly love and direction in her children’s lives, making sure they were on the right path. She was their #1 fan, encouraging them to give their best, no matter what life gave them. They saw her dedication to her husband; her service to her church, her job and community; and her love and faithfulness to God. These fine attributes will be passed on through her children for generations to come.”
Alba Rivera, a paraprofessional at PS 57, recalled that “Sonya had a gift for designing and sewing, often creating clothes for her entire family and to give as gifts.”
She also loved dressing up for school spirit days.
Power Center Church was central to Sonya’s life, and she donated many hours of her time for charitable events.
“Sonya had such a genuine love – a love in which people felt secure and at peace,” said Albert Cancela, her pastor. “She had the innate ability to see the good in others when they could not see it themselves. She loved objects that glittered, shined, sparkled and dazzled, and that is exactly how you felt after you left her presence – like a precious jewel, valuable.”
He said Sonya was always ready to minister to others and even asked her husband “to minister to families in the hospital while she was slipping away.”
“The indelible mark of love and faith that she walked in, that touched our lives, continues. It is a mark that cannot be erased,” the pastor said.
In addition to her husband, Sonya is survived by her sons, Mychael, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Zacchaeus; and her granddaughter, Amber.
Condolences may be emailed to Pendleton684@gmail.com.
There is a GoFundMe page.
God Bless you Sonya and Rest in Peace. Even in the very limited interactions with you during my brief tenure at 57 you made a difference in my life by being kind and patient.
Even as a.child she was the sweetest little thing you would want to know. She never wanted you to be angry with her or she would cry. I loved her so. Will miss her but will never forget my sweet angel NEICE.
Only had the best of exchanges with Sonya. She was truly a loving, positive person who made you feel seen, valued, appreciated. She stood out like a ray of light because her spirit was light and joyous. She left a big impact on this world and everyone she came into contact with. May we all learn from her example to spread more love and understanding during our time here on earth.
Sonya was such an elegant, beautiful and kind person. God bless her family and may she rest in peace!
I am truly heartbroken over the loss of our beautiful Sonya. To walk in our school every morning , to see her angelic smile and sing to each other good morning is what I had become accustomed to. She was a very special person who will be dearly missed.
I pray that God will watch over Sonya’s boys and husband. I will miss her saying, “Good morning, Mrs. Murphy!” every day with her beautiful smile. May Sonya Rest in Peace.
Sonya will be missed especially her smile and calming demeanor, it’s like she always had this inner peace about herself. She will be sorely missed by many here on earth, but she is rejoicing on the other side with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! She is at peace, Amen!
My thoughts and prayers go out to her family . She was a beautiful person inside and out. She is gone but shall never be forgotten. RIP Mrs. Sonya
My heart is in pieces for the loss of our dear Sonya. What an honor it is to have had her in our lives. We will miss you dearly Sonya.
Sonya will truly be missed. I can’t imagine going into PS 57 office without seeing her beautiful face and her smile. My thoughts and prayer go out to her family. RIP beautiful Sonya !