Obituary of Sonia Zahara

ZAHARA (Brett), Sonia Helen Sonia died peacefully on Tuesday, May 1, 2012, in the Cardiac Care Unit of Toronto General Hospital. Sonia was predeceased by her husband, Slade Egerton Brett, her parents Matthew and Anne Zahara and her brother Ted Zahara. She is survived by her brother Don Zahara in Thailand, her sisters-in-law Gaylene Zahara and Rosina Booth, her nephew Owen and nieces Susanne and Lesley. Sonia was born in Gardenton, Manitoba and raised in Toronto. After attending the University of Toronto, and receiving a degree in Science, she began her career as a science teacher at C.W. Jefferys High School in Toronto. Sonia was forced to leave teaching in 1984 when her rheumatic heart began to fail. Her name was entered on a Transplant List in London, Ontario. Given her small stature, Sonia's body was unable to accept an adult heart. In April 1985, a child's heart saved her life. Her new heart carried her through the next 26 years. At death, Sonia was one of Canada's longest heart transplant recipients. Sonia loved art, music, opera and interior design, which she took up later in life. She and Slade spent many glorious summers on the shores of Hamer Bay, Muskoka, a place close to her heart. Sonia's family and friends are grateful for the tender care she received from the doctors and nurses of the Cardiac Care Unit at Toronto General Hospital, with special thanks to Nurse Rosie. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES CHAPEL LIMITED, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service in the chapel at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 7. If desired, and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cardiac Care Unit of Toronto General Hospital, 200 Elizabeth Street, 6 Eaton South, Toronto M5G 2C4, or to a charity of your choice. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.