Sonia J. (Szymkowski) Gildea

Sonia Gildea
June 25, 1931 – January 15, 2025
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Sonia Gildea, beloved mother, grandmother,
and great-grandmother, sister, and aunt, who left us peacefully on January 15 at the age of 93.
Sonia was a former resident of Andover, MA and York, ME. Presently residing at Wentworth
Senior Living, Portsmouth, NH. She was surrounded by family at the time of her peaceful
passing.
Born on June 25, 1931, Sonia brought light and joy to everyone she met. She was the loving
mother of four, cherished grandmother to nine, and proud great-grandmother to eleven. Words
her grandchildren used to describe “Nana” are earnest, faithful, generous, and caring. She loved
her grandchildren and great grandchildren unconditionally. Sonia’s family was her greatest joy,
and her love for them was boundless.
Those who knew Sonia will forever remember her radiant smile, which could brighten the
darkest of days. Her warmth, kindness, and unwavering strength were a source of inspiration to
all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Sonia’s legacy lives on in the hearts of her family and friends, and her memory will be treasured
always. Surviving members of her family include her son, Robert James Gildea and wife, Alicia,
her daughters, Maureen Crompton and husband Matthew, Colette Amato and husband, John,
and Michele Howard and husband Fred. Her grandchildren, Chris Gildea and Wife, Katie; Sean
Gildea and wife Beth, Shauna and Ryan Meyer, Kyle and Gabrielle Crompton, Ben, Kelsey, and
Nathan and Miranda Howard, Allison and Shane McDevitt, and Jessica Amato. Great
grandchildren; Austin, Henry, Jack, Rita, Grayson, Landon, Brayden, Madalyn, Hadley,
Cormick, and Clenna. She is also survived by her brother, Vincent Symkowski and wife Donna,
In-law sisters, Patricia, Donna, and Elvie Gildea (wife of Matthew Gildea, predeceased), and
William Gildea and wife Arlene, and several nieces and nephews.
Sonia was predeceased by her loving husband, Robert James Gildea Jr.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wentworth Senior Living Residential Grants @ 346
Pleasant Street, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, 03801 or Breast Cancer Foundation@
Give.bcrf.org.
She will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved her.

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