WESTBROOK – Sonya Melanie (Lestage) Dobson, went to heaven on Monday, Jan. 24, 2022, at The Gosnell Memorial Hospice House from complications due to cancer, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on March 14, 1955 in Portland, the daughter of the late Maurice A. and Constance M. (Gallupe) Lestage.

Sonya’s joy in life was her family. She dedicated her life to them and cherished the time they spent together. They were her priority and would do anything to make their life’s happier. She found her time precious baking cookies every Christmas, going apple picking every fall, spending the 4th of July at Sebago Lake, family reunions and so many occasions. She loved hosting most events, we nicknamed her “the hostess with the mostess”. She was known for her delicious fudge, Needham and buckeyes, it was a Christmas staple for the entire family and friends.

Sonya was married to Stanley Dobson. They had three beautiful children together, Stephen, Amy and Christopher. Though later divorced, as their family grew they enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren together. She adored her “Hunny Bunnies” and her “GGs” with all of her heart.

Sonya graduated from Portland high school, class of 1973. Sonya was dedicated and loyal to all who worked with her or for her. She started with being a CNA at Seaside Nursing Home, then Fairchild National Semiconductor and lastly at Barber Foods

Sonya was a devoted Catholic, as a young woman she considered entering the Sisters of Mercy to be a nun. Instead, she went on to Saint Joseph’s College for Youth Ministry and went on to teach at Saint Dominic’s in Portland.

Sonya was a founding member of Youth In Action, instrumental in the purchasing and developing programs at the People’s building in Portland.

Sonya loved to read, avid card player especially poker, taking yearly trips to Foxwoods with her sisters. But Bingo was her favorite, she got to spend time with her sisters and in-laws.

Sonya was the sweetest, kindest and loving person anyone could know, she was truly loved by everyone. As her brother, Tom, stated “Sonya was the best of all of us”

In addition to her parents she was preceded by a brother, Joseph; and a nephew, David.

Surviving is her son, Stephen Dobson and his companion Heather, of Portland, daughter, Amy Limanni and husband Chuck of Windham and son, Christopher Dobson of Lewison; her grandchildren Hunny Bunnies, Natasha Dobson, Dana-Michelle Fagone and husband Domenic, Noah Wilcox, Stephen Jr., Wyatt and Hunter Dobson; her GGs, Gia, Giovanni and Luca; sisters Tina Holbrook and husband Robert, Cleo Lestage, brothers Maurice Lestage and wife Channary, Thomas Lestage, William Lestage and companion Tammy; also many many nieces and nephews who she loved dearly.

The family would like to especially thank Sonya’s brother, Tom, for the special care and love he gave to her during her illness and with help of their sister, Tina. We also want to the staff at Able Home Health especially Sherri, the Gibson Pavilion at Maine Medical Center and at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House.

At Sonya’s request there will be no funeral service, she will be buried in the spring at St. Hyacinth’s Cemetery in Westbrook.

Sonya wanted everyone to celebrate her life with happiness so there will be a celebration of life on Saturday, Feb. 5 at the VFW on 687 Forest Ave., Portland at 1 p.m.

To express condolences or to participate in Sonya’s online tribute please visit http://www.DolbyBlaisSegee.com.

In lieu of flowers those who wish to make a donation in Sonya’s name you can do so to the American Diabetes Association or American Cancer Society.

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