Sonya Akaydin

The family of Sonya (Kaletski) Akaydin, 90, are saddened to announce her passing on January 4, 2022 under the care of the Rose Monahan Hospice Center staff.

Sonya was born on August 17, 1931 in Worcester, MA. She is survived by her son Erol Akaydin and a large family of cousins, nieces, and nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. She is the daughter of Simon and Mia Kaletski formerly of Worcester. Sonya was predeceased by her husband, Burhan Akaydin, who died in 1978, and her long-time partner of 32 years, Albert Peterson, who died in 2012. She was also predeceased by her brothers Jack and Ben Kaletski and her sister Rose (Kaletski) Barker.

Sonya completed South High School in 1949. She graduated from the Worcester City Hospital School of Nursing in 1952 and began a 40-year career as a Nurse Anesthetist. She retired in 1992 when Worcester City Hospital closed forever. As a nurse, Sonya attended the births of her nieces and nephew and loved to brag about how she was the first person to see them enter this world.

Sonya was a person who warmed the lives of those around her. She was a joy to talk with and always had a funny quip and a laugh to share. She valued her family and friends and routinely kept in touch. Dressed in her statement color purple, her "bling", and her beautifully styled hair, when in a social setting Sonya would float around the room talking and laughing with everyone.

Sonya was always on the go. She and her partner Al traveled extensively together but especially loved the cruising life. Their 22 cruises brought them to exotic countries and ports around the world. Without doubt, her greatest love was dancing. She and Al organized weekly dances every Friday night at the Scandinavian Athletic Club in Shrewsbury that were attended by thousands of people over the years. At family events, once the polka music was turned on, Sonya pulled people onto the dance floor as she flew around the room in a blur of dancing feet.

Every Spring, Sonya would call everyone to tell them that her first "hummer" (hummingbird) had arrived. She was crazy about her cat, Petey, Tom Brady and the Patriots, and there wasn't a baby or flower she didn't love. Every little thing in

her life brought her joy. A light in our life has moved on but we will cherish the gifts Sonya gave us.

Arrangements are in the care of the Callahan, Fay & Caswell Life Celebration Home. Due to COVID-19, Sonya's funeral will be a private, family affair. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden St., Worcester, MA 01606.