Sonja O'Donnell

Sonja O'Donnell, 82, of Manchester passed away, surrounded by loved ones, on Thursday, February 14th following a period of declining health.

Sonja was born in Stoughton, WI on June 29, 1936 to Ferdinand and Elsie (Bitter) Homme. Best known for her stellar skills in playing and teaching bridge. Sonja attended Wisconsin University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology. Shortly after college, Sonja worked for the US government in Germany as the Entertainment Organizer for the GI Service Club. During her time there, she met Michael O'Donnell, a Connecticut native, who was serving in the U.S. Army in Germany. Sonja and Michael returned to the States to settle down in Fairfield, CT where they got married and started a family. They moved to Bedford, NH in the early 1970s.

Best known for her exceptional Bridge skills, she earned the level of Bronze Life Master. She and her husband Michael played endless hands together and with friends, with Sonja teaching the art of the game to others when she wasn't busy playing. They enjoyed extensive travel, particularly enjoying trips to Europe to explore Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Sonja was also very passionate about her Norwegian heritage and had a zany sense of humor which will be missed by family and friends.

Sonja is survived by; her daughter, Jill O'Donnell and her husband, Channa Perera of Yonkers, NY; her son, Eric O'Donnell and his wife, Jeanine of Hampton, NH; grandchildren, Cassidy and Skylar O'Donnell.

A Celebration Of Life party will be held Friday, July 19th, 1:00-5:00pm at Birch Hill Terrace, 200 Alliance Way in Manchester.. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Birch Hill Benevolent Fund at 200 Alliance Way, Manchester, NH, 03102.
Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium is assisting the family with services. To view an online Tribute, leave a message of condolence, or check updated service information, please go to www.phaneuf.net.