IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Sonja E.

Sonja E. Hayes Profile Photo

Hayes

Aug 9, 1932 — Aug 19, 2015

Obituary

Sonja E. Hayes, 83, died Wednesday August 19, 2015 at the University Medical Center of Princeton in Plainsboro, NJ.

Sonja was born August 9, 1932 in the town of Königshain in the Saxony State of Germany to Gregor Haase and Emma Ella Brühl.

After surviving the Second World War as a child living near Dresden, Sonja moved to the city of Trier in West Germany and started a family with John Hayes who was working for defense contractors in post-war Europe. Sonja received her pilot's license while living in France and continued her passion for flying after moving to the US in California and eventually New Jersey. She earned her airline transport rating (ATP) and was a certified flight instructor (CFII), through which she shared her love of flying with many students over the years. Sonja became a naturalized US citizen and was a member of the Civil Air Patrol.

Sonja worked in the corporate travel industry which provided opportunities for journeys around the world, including extensive travel in Europe, India, South America and Africa. Sonja had a special fondness for wildlife and was an avid dog enthusiast. She had many furry companions over the years, especially poodles and dalmatians.

Through her flying, traveling and love of family and friends, and with boundless energy and spirit, Sonja touched the lives of many people throughout her life and will be truly missed.

She is survived by her daughter, Michaela Van Orden, of Flemington NJ, three grandchildren, nephews and cousins in Germany and her beloved Dalmatian and constant companion, Norton.

A memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2015, at the Kimble Funeral Home, 1 Hamilton Ave. Princeton, NJ from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM with remembrances beginning at 12:30 PM.
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Funeral Services

Memorial Gathering

September
13

Sunday

11:30 am - 12:30 pm

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