Sonja Sally Sylvia Hegymegi, 88 of Milford, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2026

Sonja Sally Sylvia Hegymegi, 88 of Milford, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2026 at Milford Hospital. Sonja was born on August 30, 1937 in Mt. Vernon, NY, to the late John and Sally Cornell. She was the beloved wife of the late John Hegymegi.

Sonja was a woman of remarkable determination and devotion to those she loved. She was the epitome of Finnish "sisu," a uniquely Finnish concept describing extraordinary determination, courage, and resilience in the face of adversity. Sonja's father passed when she was seven years old, after which she returned with her mother Sally who was born in Finland to live there for approximately one year. This solidified her strong identity with Finland, visiting many times and speaking Finnish at home with her mother who lived with Sonja throughout her adult life.

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Sonja was an accomplished professional, earning an associate degree in accounting from Bentley College, and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1972 from the University of New Haven with a bachelor's degree in business. In 1974 she passed the CPA exam and joined the Certified Public Accounting firm of Schwartz and Sax in Fairfield, Connecticut. In 1975 she earned her Master of Business Administration from the University of Bridgeport and enjoyed a career spanning more than 30 years as a Certified Public Accountant before retiring at age 70.

A skilled violinist and lover of classical music, Sonja performed with both the Bridgeport and Norwalk Symphonies. Her devotion to helping others was equally meaningful. Inspired by her husband's hospice journey, she volunteered with Connecticut Hospice for more than 25 years, offering comfort and companionship to others.

Sonja was a devout Lutheran and used her love of music and professional training in support of the church throughout her life. She joined Trinity Lutheran Church in 1974 where she sang in the choir and served as treasurer and a member of the council for many years. Sonja's volunteer work extended to the larger Lutheran Church, serving as treasurer or in other leadership roles with the New England Synod, ELCA; the United Lutheran Seminary in Philadelphia; Camp Calumet in New Hampshire and the Lutheran Home of Southbury, Connecticut. She was also a devoted cat lover and avid world traveler, who visited Europe most frequently but also spoke fondly of memories from trips to South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Sonja will be most remembered by all for her faith, generosity, attention to detail, love of animals, and dedication to the people and causes she held dear.

Sonja is survived by her beloved daughter Dawn Denise Fenton and her husband Robert Louis Fenton of Hyattsville, MD, granddaughter Grace Mae Fenton of Boston, MA, grandson Samuel Cole Fenton of Hyattsville, MD, and many additional beloved family and friends. She is predeceased by her beloved husband John Hegymegi, and her cherished companion, her cat Lippy.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Monday, August 24, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Cody-White Funeral Home, 107 Broad Street, Milford. A Funeral Service will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at 21 Robert Treak Pkwy, Milford CT 06460. Please meet directly at the church, with family and friends beginning at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Kings Highway Cemetery, 271 Cherry St., Milford CT 06460.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church online at trinitymilfordct.org/giving; the Connecticut Hospice online at hospice.com/volunteers-donors/donate/; or to the Connecticut Humane Society online at cthumane.org/?form=memorialtribute

To leave online condolences, please visit our website at codywhitefuneralservice.com.