Obituary of Irene Ann Sonatore

Irene A. Sonatore (nee Higgins), 78, of Piscataway, NJ, passed away on Monday, June 30, 2014 at her home, surrounded by her family. Born on January 12, 1936 in Elizabeth, NJ to Alexander and Irene (Stanley) Higgins, she was the eldest of 11 siblings. Mrs. Sonatore lived in Fords, Toms River and Piscataway, NJ.Mrs. Sonatore attended Edison Vocational Tech, and worked at Burry Biscuit Company in Elizabeth and Roosevelt Hospital in Edison. Irene was predeceased by her sister Cory Zygmund, her brother Alexander Higgins, her son Andrew Sonatore and her grandson Theodore (Todd) Sonatore. She is survived by her devoted husband of 59 years, Jacob A. Sonatore and their remaining children, Donna Marie Hawver and her fianc Darrell Hamed of Sarasota, FL, Ann Christian and her fianc Kevin Stewart of Colonia, Andrew's widow, Karen Sonatore, Matthew Sonatore and his wife Lisa of East Brunswick, Nina Sonatore of Beachwood, Jennifer Hansen and her husband Roy of Piscataway, Paul Sonatore and his wife Rita of Piscataway and Jason Sonatore and his wife Carol of Robbinsville, as well as her siblings, Cheryl Barry, JoAnn Treslar, Joyce Weber, Linda Hamadyk, Estelle Howarth, Mildred Doby, George Higgins and Peter Higgins. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and many cherished in-laws, nieces, nephews and their children.Irene loved to listen to music, especially the music made by her creative family. She was an avid gardener and New York Giants and Yankees fan. Her outstanding cooking and baking skills were enjoyed by all.A dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, she was the loving and gentle matriarch of a family numbering well over 100 people, all of whom will miss her tremendously. Her brilliant smile, quiet wisdom and strong devotion to family and friends influenced so many people's lives positively. A memorial service will be held at the Piscataway Funeral Home on Saturday, July 5th from 4 to 6 pm. To send condolences, please see piscatawayfuneralhome.com.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Irene's name to the American Cancer Society.