Sonia Walkom, matriarch of Newcastle’s real estate industry and a much-cherished HMRI stalwart, passed away last Friday after a battle with cancer.
Sonia Walkom, matriarch of Newcastle’s real estate industry and a much-cherished HMRI stalwart, passed away last Friday after a battle with cancer.
As recently as the Gastronomic Lunch on May 18 the 81-year-old remained tireless in her fundraising support for the Institute while also showing few signs of slowing down in her prestige property work.
The ‘girl from Goondiwindi’ fell into real estate when her late husband, Richard, founded the business. Sonia juggled motherhood with work before taking over management responsibilities in the mid ’80s. She brought this natural zest and flair with her to the formative days of HMRI.
Sonia was an original member of the HMRI Foundation, dating back to January 1998 when she joined 11 other business and community leaders at the inaugural meeting. She readily embraced the challenge of raising funds and increasing the profile for the fledgling Institute.
As a staunch advocate for community interests Sonia also served as a trusted sounding board to ensure HMRI remained accountable to its donors and supporters.
Sonia leveraged her extensive networks to increase the donor base and awareness. She also took an active involvement in the HMRI Ball, with continuous service on that committee since the first ball in March 1999.
HMRI Chairman Glenn Turner says Sonia immersed herself into HMRI as she did everything in life – with abounding energy and infectious enthusiasm.
“As one of Newcastle’s pioneering business leaders, Sonia’s support for HMRI sent a strong message of legitimacy to the business community,” Glenn says. “She was a permanent fixture at HMRI events, and many strong and loyal friendships evolved as a consequence of her passion.”
For her dedication to HMRI for over 16 years, and for her promotion of health and medical research in the Hunter, Sonia was honoured with the HMRI Exceptional Service Medal in late 2013.
She is survived by children Scott and Jane and grandchildren Matthew, Thomas, Nathaniel, Helena and Andrew, to whom HMRI extends its sincere condolences.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service at Christ Church Cathedral, Church Street, Newcastle, on Friday June 6, commencing 1pm.
HMRI would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live, the Awabakal and Worimi peoples, and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We recognise and respect their cultural heritage and beliefs and their continued connection to their land.
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