THORBECKE

SONIA STOKOWSKI

Sonia Stokowski Thorbecke, age 103, passed away peacefully of natural causes at home on March 19, 2025. Sonia was born in New York City on December 23, 1921. Her parents were Olga Samaroff and Leopold Stokowski. Sonia was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She studied at the Dalton School and the Neighborhood Playhouse. Prior to marrying Willem Thorbecke in 1946 she was an accomplished actress on Broadway. She lived in Cambridge, MA, California, Japan, and Europe before raising four children in Smoke Rise, NJ. For the last 49 years she has lived on Deerhaven Farm in Sewickley, PA where she bred and raised thoroughbred horses. As an active member of the Sewickley Hunt and founder of the Riding for the Handicapped in Western PA, she was revered in the equestrian community. She was predeceased by her husband and son, Johan Rudolph. Sonia is survived by two daughters, Noël Estes of Weston, MA and Christine George of Houston, TX, and a son, Leif Thorbecke of Camas, WA. Her eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren will greatly miss her. A private family burial is planned. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Animal Rescue League of your choice. Arrangements by SIMONS FUNERAL HOME, INC.