Gloria (Aisenberg) Sonnabend

Gloria (Aisenberg) Sonnabend, of Weston, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 25, 2024 at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Providence, RI on October 18, 1929 and was the older of two daughters of the late Herman & Olga Aisenberg. Her beloved sister Carol Schneider, formerly of Memphis, TN, died in 2016.

Gloria was an alumna of Lincoln School in Providence and of Wheelock College in Boston, where she served for many years on the college’s Board of Trustees.

She was the beloved wife of Paul Sonnabend for 59 years, until his death in 2010. She was the loving mother of Jill Hazard & her husband Robert of Brunswick, ME and Morriston, FL, Peter J. Sonnabend & his wife Karen of Weston, Thomas A. Sonnabend of Quincy, and Kim Sonnabend of Brookline, and the adoring grandmother of Lauren Sonnabend, Kathryn Sonnabend, Julia Slater and Alex Slater.

Together with her husband Paul, the former president of Sonesta International Hotels Corporation, Gloria enjoyed an active social life. They also traveled the world, including memorable trips to Europe, Asia, Africa and The Caribbean. She spent decades of wonderful summers at the couple’s home on Martha’s Vineyard and winter vacations in Key Biscayne, FL. She took pleasure in many personal interests and activities, particularly handicrafts such as knitting, quilting, pottery and sewing, and delighted in sharing objects she created with her children, grandchildren and friends. She was a passionate gardener and was renowned for her chocolate chip cookies. For many years, Gloria served on The Ladies Committee of The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and (with Paul) enjoyed attending New England Patriots football games.

Gloria was much loved and will be sorely missed.

Funeral services are private.

Visitation for family and friends will be at her late residence on Wednesday, February 28, from 2:30pm-4:30pm and Thursday, February 29, from 3pm–5pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Office of Philanthropy, 529 Main St., 4th Floor, Charlestown, MA 02129, www.bidmc.org/giving