Obituary of Sonia Keusey

Sonia Genevieve Keusey, an elegant and stunningly beautiful woman, beloved mother, and generous loving friend, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday morning, April 7, 2015. She was 83 years old. Sonia was born in Beirut, Lebanon, the youngest of three girls and a boy. She was the daughter of the late Gabriel and Siranoush Ohannessian. She grew up and was educated in Beirut, Lebanon. After she married, they moved to the United States, settled in New Jersey and had her first child, Valerie. While living in Demarest, New Jersey, she gave birth to their second daughter, Seta. In the 1980's the family moved to the Catskills, where they found a loving community into which they quickly assimilated. Sonia was the consummate hostess and cook. A dinner at the Keuseys’ was a much coveted invite. During that time, Seta gave birth to the true loves of Sonia's life, her two granddaughters, Julia and Ava Pioli. After 20 years in the Catskills, the family moved to the Boston area where they once again fostered a community of friends as Sonia's magnetic personality attracted people from all walks of life. Sonia had the ability to talk to anyone on any subject - and in five different languages. She loved to talk politics and religion. She was equally skilled at offering advice and giving comfort to friends and strangers, always sharing her love, support and wisdom. Sonia and her daughter Seta, were always refining their culinary and hosting skills, and once again created a warm home where everyone was welcomed and eager to return. She was a wonderful role model to her daughters and granddaughters showing them the meaning of being a lady. She taught them respect, care and generosity for others, and most importantly the significance of family. An avid traveler, Sonia spent time in Italy, Israel, Russia, Scandinavia, South America. In the last few years, her dream of going to Armenia was fulfilled. Her civic interests included anything to do with Armenian culture and religion. She was very active in the St. Thomas Armenian Apostolic Church in Tenafly, NJ. She was a strong supporter of the Armenian General Benevolent Union where she helped with fundraising and served on hospitality committees. Memorial donations may be made to the Armenian Sisters Academy, 20 Pelham Road, Lexington, MA 02421. A public memorial will be held at a later date at the Holy Trinity Armenian Church in Cambridge.