Sonya Lee Bernard, late of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, passed away on December 27, 2021, surrounded by her family and loved ones.

Born on November 18, 1967, in Plymouth, Massachusetts, Sonya graduated from Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School in 1986. She enlisted in the Navy in 1988, receiving an honorable discharge the following year. Sonya was always very proud of her naval service. Sonya then attended Daytona State College and earned her Associate's Degree in 2016. Though she had these accomplishments, Sonya was most proud of being a devoted mother to her two daughters.

Sonya was strong, caring, and passionate; she loved the ocean and going on adventures outdoors. A brave, intrepid woman with a survivor's spirit, she had a kind heart and always put others before herself. Sonya adored her grand-puppies and grand-kitty, and would have been a wicked awesome grandmother, though she was never blessed to become one. Her family will always cherish their memories of listening to music with her, or of finding the heart-felt notes she would leave for them after every visit. Her sense of humor and loving nature will be missed by all those who knew and loved her.

Sonya is survived by her daughters, Ayla and Alicia Bernard, and her parents Francis and Susan Bernard. A celebration of life will be held in New Smyrna Beach in the upcoming weeks, followed by a ceremony in Massachusetts in the spring, with details to be announced at a later date.