Sonya Bentley Logan

Sonya Markmann Bentley Logan was born in Philadelphia on March 29, 19xx and passed away Friday, November 3, 2023. She is survived by her two children, Melissa M. Bentley of Albuquerque and Alec R. Bentley of New York; two grandchildren, James and Justin Bentley Escobedo; and her husband, Larry Logan. Her grandsons James and Justin were her absolute delight and joy from the moment of their birth. She was their Amie, their best friend, and was devoted to them in all ways, at all times.

Sonya grew up in Forest Hills and Manhattan, New York, where she met and married Frank Bentley (March 1921 - May 1987). Sonya and Frank both worked for British Overseas Airways Corporation or BOAC, now known as British Airways. Sonya loved to travel and was masterful at booking European tours for BOAC and SAS. Sonya and Frank lived on the Upper East Side of New York City in a small apartment building with some very notable and creative dear friends and neighbors, including Harper Lee.

In 1970, Sonya and Frank decided to leave New York and relocate with their children to Corrales, New Mexico, to open a Northern Italian restaurant. Casa Vieja was New Mexico's premier elegant dining destination from 1970-1988. Sonya was the queen of the front of the house, creating a lovely ambience with starched and pressed pale pink linens, too many votive candles to count, romantic jazz and classical music, and when a chill was in the air, crackling fireplaces stoked with piñon and cedar. After Frank Bentley passed away in 1987, she took on the role of head chef, learning how to prep all the dishes during the day and work the line in the evenings. There truly was nothing she could not do.

The summer of 2023 was filled with health challenges for Sonya, which she fought determinedly and bravely, never losing her delightful sense of humor, kindness, and innate grace and strength. She loved her children and grandchildren fiercely and unconditionally, and this love will carry us through the pain of her loss.

Upon hearing the news of her passing, many people who had only brief encounters with Sonya were moved to tears. She was truly a force of nature, her life guided by unending love and a generosity of heart and spirit that will forever be unequaled. A celebration of Sonya's remarkable life is being planned for early spring of 2024. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory to support children in need will be gratefully accepted by Peanut Butter and Jelly Family Services. The link to donate is here: http://www.pbjfamilyservices.org/.