Sonia “Soni” Gutentag, age 87, of Ocean Township NJ passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 1, 2020 in Hunter NY surrounded by the love of her family and longtime aids. Always a Jersey girl, she was born May 23, 1932 in Elizabeth, to Abraham and Marion (née Levy) Israel. Her youth was spent in Lakewood where she graduated from Lakewood High and eventually moved to Union NJ once becoming a married woman. It was here that she gave birth to her first two children. In 1965 she and her husband moved their family to Monmouth county where they gave birth to their third child and a business called THE PANTRY which became a local landmark one of which people still speak of in the fondest of terms to this day.
Later in life Soni returned to the roots of her very first job and went back to work for Dr. Hank Lohman an orthopedic surgeon where she was first employed at the age of 19. This was the beginning of a 30-year career working in a variety of capacities in different medical practices sharing both administrative and management roles. Her wisdom and experience were often admired by the young staff who she would remind on occasion “I have forgotten more than you have learned” always with a sense of humor. She was well respected as a mentor and a woman of great wisdom by all who worked by her side.
The friendships she forged throughout her life are a testimony to the person that she truly was, one of integrity, kindness, & love. A beloved Aunt to many nieces and nephews, she leaves behind treasured memories of family gatherings, and a few really great recipes that will always be referred to as “Aunt Soni’s….”
Sonia was preceded in death by her husband Lawrence in 2004.
She is survived by her son Edward Gutentag; daughter Amy Slutzky and her husband Paul; daughter Marnie Levy; 9 grandchildren: Leah Gutentag, Aliza Levy, Rahamim Levy, Judah Levy, Moshe Levy, and Abraham Levy; Sarah Slutzky and her husband Phil DiFalco, Lizzy Slutzky, Tanner Slutzky; great-granddaughter Capri Ella DiFalco; many devoted nieces and nephews, as well as lifelong friends.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, February 3, 2020 at 11:00 AM at Bloomfield-Cooper Jewish Chapels, 2130 Highway 35, Ocean, New Jersey 07712 followed by a burial at Beth Israel Cemetery, 1098 Woodbridge Center Drive, Woodbridge, New Jersey 07095.
The period of mourning will be observed at the following at dates and times listed:
Monday February 3rd 2:00 – 8:00 pm
The Home of Joyce and Gerald Hoch
36 Galloping Hill Circle
Holmdel, NJ
Tuesday February 4 - Sunday February 9th
The Home of The Levy Family
1701 East 5th Street
Brooklyn, NY
Thursday February 6th 4:00-7:00 p.m.
The Home of Orville and Ethel Slutzky
44 Division Street
Hunter, NY
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Sonia's memory may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (www.michaeljfox.org).
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bloomfieldcoopermanalapan.com for the Gutentag family.
