Sones, Leonore

DATELINE: Providence

Leonore Sones, also known as Mom or Savta, peacefully passed away early morning on May 3rd, surrounded by family. She was a beloved, integral part of every community she touched, especially the Providence Jewish community. She was the cherished wife of 61 beautiful years to Cedric Sones. Born in Brooklyn, NY, to George and Rose Wapnick, Lee was a light in this world from the moment she entered it. She is not remembered through her passing, but rather through the love and amelioration she brought to this Earth. A learned and academic woman, Leonore received two masters degrees in education and Jewish history. She inspired people through her work as an educational director at Temple Sinai and vibrant community member at Temple Emanu-El. She was passionate about advocating for women in education, and Jewish representation in the media (if you ever see a menorah in the mall, thank Lee!). Her smile was contagious, and her positive attitude uplifted any room she entered. If you are to learn one thing from your relationship with Leonore, let it be to always approach people with positivity, warmth, and grace.

Her memory lives on through her children; Allison Sones (wife, Lana Cook) and Emily Sones, and her grandchildren; Jared Weiner and his wife Meaghan, Jordyn Weiner, and Arianna Weiner. Leonore valued family over everything.

Graveside services will be held Friday at 11:00 a.m. in Swan Point Cemetery, 585 Blackstone Blvd., Providence. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in her memory to either;

  • Temple Emanu-El, 99 Taft Ave., Providence, RI 02906,
  • Sandra Bornstein at the Holocaust Education Center, 401 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, RI 02906,
  • Hadassah Women’s Zionist Organization of America https://www.hadassah.org/donate.

To view the recorded service, please click here.

15 Comments

  1. Avi Allen
    May 4, 2023

    B’H
    Please have this holy woman buried amongst her brethren in a Jewish Cemetary.
    She has brought light to so many.
    She has brought joy to so many.
    May her soul be bound up in the bonds of eternal light.
    May her soul be comforted, being buried amongst her brethren.
    May you be comforted amongst the mourners of Zion for Jerusalem.

  2. This is a perfect obituary for Lenore…She was indeed a graceful, lovely and smart woman who I feel fortunate to have known. My sincere sympathy to you all during this difficult time. I hope all of your wonderful memories will help you.
    Condolences.
    Cheryl Greenfeld Teverow

  3. Susie Adler
    May 4, 2023

    She will be missed by all who knew and loved her

  4. Jill + Jim Tobak
    May 4, 2023

    Dear Ric and family; Your obituary captures Leonore’s inspirational spirit and zest for family, lifelong learning and community. She was truly a woman valued far beyond pearls, and rightly cherished.

    May your memories always be a comfort.

    Jill and Jim

  5. Avi Allen
    May 4, 2023

    B’H
    After speaking withvRabbi Alvin Kaunfer of Temple EmanuEl, she is being buried amongst her brethren.
    Temple EmanuEl purchased areas at Swan Point. Lenore is having her tahara performed.
    May her soul rest in peace.

    May the family be comforted amongst the mourners of Zion for Jerusalem.

    Lenore’s Hebrew name is Liora, a name that radiates light.
    She certainly radiated light and kindness to many.

  6. Rise Siegel
    May 4, 2023

    She was one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. I had the pleasure of working with her at Temple Sinai. Her love for children and Judaism knew no bounds. Rick I wish I could give you a hug.

  7. Steve Weiner
    May 4, 2023

    Wonderful obituary for a wonderful woman who touched the lives of many.

  8. Karen Drucker Stern
    May 4, 2023

    My condolences to Lenore’s family. I knew her from Temple Emanuel where I would see her at services, at various programs and at Rabbi Kaunfer’s Torah class. Several times I also run into her at the Rochambeau library. She was also warm, kind and solicitous, showing that beautiful smile as shown in the photo.
    May her memory be for a blessing and may you be comforted by loving memories.

  9. Naomi Resnick Schwartz
    May 4, 2023

    I met Leonore back in the late 80s when I firsttaught at the Temple EmanuEl Religious School. She was warm and welcoming to the Jewish education community, and once, talked me through a very bumpy landing in Atlanta, on our way to a conference on Jewish education. She was knowledgeable and kind, and her smile and laugh brightened up many meetings. I will always remember her enthusiasm for education and Jewish studies.

  10. Becky algarissi
    May 4, 2023

    May this holy woman be mourned by the the gates of Zion and Jerusalem.
    May her family feel no more sorrow.
    May her nishama have an Aliya.
    I had the privilege of knowing Mrs sones as a child at temple Sinai Hebrew school. And then as a student teacher there.
    Such a lovely and special soul

  11. Judy Greenblatt
    May 4, 2023

    A beautiful obituary for a beautiful, kind, loving, radiant woman. An inspiring educator, she touched untold lives with her warmth, optimism, and knowledge. She was a blessing to all who came in contact with her. I will cherish many wonderful memories.

  12. Barbara Dunder
    May 6, 2023

    My heart was always filled with love and knowledge after even a brief conversation with Lenore. May her memory be a blessing for this woman of valor.

  13. John Cain
    May 8, 2023

    Ric my condolences to you and your family.

  14. Joyce and Larry Steingold
    May 13, 2023

    We loved Leonore. Our family spent a great deal of time with her, as did a lot of others. She will be remembered…

  15. Myra
    Oct 8, 2023

    I just found out that Lenore had passed away. She was my College Roommate when we went to Cortlandt state teachers College .At one time she and Cedric and my husband and I went to the jewelbox review and had a wonderful time . We attended each other’s weddings and had lots of nice memories, she was always fun and up to almost anything. Shr will be missed by her family and friends
    Myra

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