October Gratification Post: In Memory of Sonia Cordeiro Benjamin

Each month, we thank an individual, business and/or organization who supports our efforts. This month we would like to recognize Sonia Cordeiro Benjamin, daughter of Carlos Benjamin, the Town Facility Director and truly part of our MYC family.

Sonia was the beloved daughter of Carlos Benjamin and Isabel Cordeiro, stepdaughter of Marcia Benjamin and Jorge Goncalves, sister of Ashley and Liliana, stepsister of Barbara, Paulo and Pedro. Surrounded by family and loved ones, she passed away on September 10, 2026. A life too short-lived, Sonia managed to keep a positive outlook, live her to the fullest and peruse her dreams. She graduated from Milford High School in 2024 and was a student at Emanuel College in Boston majoring in Biochemistry while working as a transporter at the Milford Regional Medical Center.

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While Sonia remained focused on her education, it was her family and friends who surrounded her through the difficult times and the joyful ones that mattered most to her. Kindness poured from Sonia and her sisters—a trait not taught but deeply embedded in a family that understood hardship and knew the importance of being a source of strength for one another. That is who the Benjamin family is: a family built on strength, love, and kindness. And now, in their time of loss, we must give that same love and strength back to them.

Sonia carried these qualities with her throughout her life, finding joy in the things she loved most, including traveling, cooking, and baking. She even started a small business creating beautiful and delicious desserts, called Strawberries by Sonia. And when life made it difficult for her to travel or attend school in person, she found ways to keep her focus on the things that brought her happiness.

Over the years Sonia took part in programs and events at the Center with her dad. Our earliest memory is Sonia joining us in 2014 on our MYC Field Trip to Edaville! Carlos, Ashley and Sonia joined us on bus to the iconic trail themed family amusement park. In 2018, while in recovery, Sonia made candy bags for participants for our Halloween event. Despite what she was going through, she still found a way to give back to others. In 2020, when MYC staff first heard about her second round of treatments, we organized a town department collection to raise money for some lake toys for her to enjoy, including paddle boards and a water trampoline!

MYC staff found out about Sonia's passing as we were getting ready for our 16th Annual Fundraiser and Fall Appreciation Event, an event that Carlos would normally be the first to offer his help with and show his support by attending. We did not feel that it would be right to not honor the passing of Sonia during that event, so we all took a moment of silence before the presentation portion of the event for Sonia.

The Director, Jen Ward, communicated, that "Sonia passed away the day before, after a courageous 10-year battle with cancer. Carlos and Sonia epitomized strength, kindness and perseverance. We are all mourning the loss of Sonia and our thoughts and prayers are with all of Sonia's family and friends, Carlos, Ashley and Lilly. Rest in peace, Sonia."

For video, click here.