Sonia Graham

Sonia Graham, 57, of Newport crowd surfed to the next mosh pit on October 30, 2024.

A celebration of life and legacy will be arranged soon.

Sonia was a punk, and it was her punk ethos that both energized her and informed her approach to life. Eddie Vedder said “The whole [punk] doing-right thing is just what you do. It’s not a thing. I guess it’s a goal. It’s tricky.” Sonia hit that goal. She labored for the benefit of others, lived authentically, and loved fiercely. Life’s trials and tribulations were never a barrier; rather a lens to see the next level of service to her community, colleagues, friends, and family.

Sonia is world-famous in Newport and Lincoln / Lane counties for her recent contributions as a connector, community builder, and friend to (nearly) everyone she met. In Newport, Sonia founded Coastbusters Walk for Breast Cancer, and has raised over $100,000 to support local breast cancer patients and survivors; she also initiated Seas the Day, Newport Rotary’s most lucrative fundraiser, AKA ‘the dolphin drop.’ As the Newport 60+ Activity Center Supervisor, Sonia rekindled (post-COVID) the Newport Community Thanksgiving Meal tradition, serving over 200 free meals annually; kept a Leadership Lincoln project thriving with a monthly Birthday Lunch to combat the epidemic of loneliness in our senior and Veteran communities; and has grown membership and expanded 60+ activity options.

In places past, Sonia launched a college radio station, managed bands, coached startup businesses, consulted Fortune 500 companies, and formed collaborative and productive teams from disparate colleagues, classmates, and co-members at every turn. Most of all, Sonia intentionally lived a life of purpose.

Sonia’s time as a servant leader has been too short. Sonia lit a flame that burns bright; it will continue to shine. Sonia’s legacy will carry on and will influence the organizations, projects, and principles that Sonia championed to make our community healthier and happier for all.

Sonia was born in Encino, CA April 15, 1967 to James and Carmelita (Arsena) Thomas. She is preceded in death by her mother, Carmelita, and by sisters Sylvia and Sondra. Sonia is survived by her husband Jim Graham, her father James Thomas, nephews Jeremy Thacker and Brad Monson, and many friends.

Contributions to honor Sonia’s amazing legacy can be made at https://www.coastbusterswalk.org/