Vincentina Sonsini

Passed away on January 29, 2017. Tina was born in Rome, NY on September 28, 1922. She married Jamie Sonsini in 1947 and soon after started their family. While in Rome, Tina worked as an IBM key punch operator for the US Air Force. During that employment, she received special recognition for innovative work. In 1959 the Sonsini family moved to Los Angeles, a brave move indeed, where Tina was employed by Lockheed Aircraft Manufacturing Company; initially as a key punch operator, but later promoted to a position managing a substantial staff in the Parts Procurement Division, the first woman to every hold that position. Tina loved her work and those she worked with; often bringing in Italian treats of cookies, lasagna and such. Obviously, Tina’s co-workers loved her too.

Tina was a special person. When she was in her 50’s she began jogging daily and competed in two 5K races, winning medals in both events. Anyone who was lucky enough to have dined at Tina’s table or tried one of her legendary biscotti cookies will never forget that experience. Together with Jamie, her husband of more than 60 years, Tina traveled throughout Europe, the Caribbean and the United States. In her later years, after Jamie had passed, she often took the Amtrak train to Santa Barbara (by herself) to visit son Jamie and his young family. She made new friends on every trip. Anyone who met Tina immediately appreciated her wonderfully welcoming spirit.

She is survived by her Daughter Cecelia and her wife Barbara, her son John and his partner Gabriel, her son Jamie and his wife, Mary Jo, and grandchildren Emma and Megan. Tina is also survived by her sister Mary Surace, of Rome, NY and by many nieces, nephews and their children. The entire family misses her terribly but are comforted by knowing that she lived well, lived long and was deeply loved by all who knew her.

A Catholic Mass will be held on Saturday, February 18, at 1:30 pm at St Charles Catholic Church in North Hollywood.