Sondra Newsom

Sondra (Hammons) Newsom

She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on October 13, 1942 the daughter of Troy and Amy (Smith) Hammons.  Sondra passed away Saturday, May 16, 2009 at Midland Hospice. 

Sondra was a graduate of Washburn University and received her Juris Doctorate from Washburn School of Law in 1976.  She had a solo practice in Topeka for many years prior to her retirement.  Sondra’s most satisfying area of practice was her guardian conservatorship work, which she continued until her death.

Sondra was an artisan at heart.  She created many beautiful stained glass pieces, and turned many pieces of junk into treasured art.  Sondra was also an avid and passionate bridge player, as those who played with her will attest.  She had a love for animals and over the years kept an eclectic group around her including dogs, cats, pigeons, parrots, and fish.

She married Gavin E. Newsom on February 23, 1963 in Mobile, Alabama.  He survives.  Other survivors include daughter-in-law, Annette Newsom, two grandsons, Cole and Kyle, and a sister, Karis Heimer of Tyler, Texas.  Sondra was preceded in death by her son, David Newsom of San Dimas, CA, on May 15, 2009.

Sondra will lie in state at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Wednesday, after 1:30 p.m. and the family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at a service of remembrance.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, at 1:00 pm at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church.  Cremation will follow with inurnment in Mount Calvary Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions are suggested in her memory to: Midland Hospice Care or the Helping Hands Humane Society and sent in care of the funeral home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.

Online condolences to www.brennanmathenafh.com.