Sonya Licker

Age 102 ½ of Newton died very peacefully on January 25, 2018 surrounded by her loving family and dearest friends at Rogerson House in Jamaica Plain.

Sonya, the daughter of Devorah and Samuel Licker, was born on July 2, 1915 in Roselle, New Jersey and grew up in Brooklyn, New York.

She was the beloved wife of the late Morris Licker for 58 years.

She was so loved by her daughter Phyllis (Licker) Kassels and her son-in-law Gerry Kassels, who she always referred to as her “son”, as well as her grand-dog Daisy.

As a cancer survivor for 68 years, Sonya loved life and was so grateful for every day she had. She loved being with people and helping people. For over 10 years she was a volunteer at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, where she was a “friendly visitor” spending time talking with patients.

Sonya loved to knit and sew and was an avid reader. She loved Broadway shows and travelling all over the world.

A new chapter of her life began when she moved into Rogerson House when she was 99 years old. Over time this became her new “home” where she was surrounded by such a caring staff. Her smile would make everyone happy and her room was always filled with people. Everyone wanted to be with Sonya. There were three very special people in her life the past 2 years: Donna Evans and Grace Tannor, who cared for her in such a special and loving way and whom she loved dearly; and Ingrid Lysgaard, whose frequent visits Sonya truly valued.

Sonya is also survived by her daughter Florence (Licker) Shuman and son-in-law Harry Shuman, grand-daughter Meredith Casale and her husband Doug, and by three great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 29 at 11:00AM at the Gann Chapel in Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA.

Burial will be in Temple Emanuel Memorial Park, 490 North Street, Randolph.

Memorial observance immediately following the burial on Monday through 8PM at the home of Phyllis and Gerry Kassels.

Shiva will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday from 1PM-4PM and 7PM-9PM each day. There will be a minyan nightly at 7:30PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Sonya Licker via check to MSPCA-Angell Pet Care Assistance Fund, 350 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130 or online at mspca.org/tribute, designating Pet Care Assistance Program, or to Temple Emanuel Tzedakah Fund, 385 Ward Street, Newton, MA 02459.