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In Memory

Sonia Loy Higbee (DeFord)

Sonia Loy Higbee (DeFord)

Sonia Loy Higbee DeFord, 44, passed away September 10, 1995, in Rawlins, Wyoming from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Sonia was born July 22, 1951, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Lloyd and Sere Sjostrom Higbee. Sonia graduated from Skyline High School. She recieved from the University of Utah a B.A. in Computer Science, and a B.A. and a Master's Degree in Music. She studied the clarinet with masters from across the nation, including Zwick in Salt Lake City, Russianoff in New York and Aspen, and Marcellus in Chicago. Sonia pursued dual careers. As a computer scientist, she worked in the biophysics department for IHC and LDS Hospital. As a concert clarinetist, she served as principle clarinetist for the Salt Lake Symphony, and also played for Ballet West, the Utah Symphony, the Utah Chamber Orchestra, in addition to many chamber music recitals. She also enjoyed teaching her many students, and served this past year as a board member for the Salt Lake Symphony. Sonia married physicist John W. DeFord on September 5, 1987. He introduced her to golf and mountaineering, and she introduced him to photography. Together they explored from Alaska and Antarctica to the Caribbean, dividing time between the beautiful mountains and golf courses of the world. Photographs of their travels won many awards. Sonia pursued all of her interests with patience and determination that was matched only by her love of her husband. Sonia is survived and greatly missed by her father, Lloyd Higbee, her husband, John, her family, and by the hundreds of students, fellow professionals, and loving friends whose lives she touched and enriched.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to a memorial fund in Sonia's name for the Salt Lake Symphony in care of Sandra Christensen, 991 Dorothea Way, Salt Lake City, UT, 84116.