We regret to inform you that Sondra Gorney, a mother, a friend and colleague to many, passed away on Monday - August 10, 2015.
Sondra Gorney was the widow of Jay Gorney, composer of the anthem of the Great Depression, "Brother Can You Spare a Dime. Sondra Gorney was an actress, producer, author, public relations executive, philanthropist, and a strong supporter and advocate of women's rights in the theater world. She was a beloved mother, grandmother to Tatiana, aunt, cousin and friend. She was a member of Equity and SAG/AFTRA, the League of Professional Theatre Women, the New York Sheet Music Society, and on the board of the New York Coalition of Women in the Arts and Media. In 2014 the League of Professional Theatre Women, presented a special education award to her. Until 96, she never missed a meeting! Sondra married film and theater composer Jay Gorney. Together they co-produced many plays and several editions of the musical revenue "Meet the People." In New York, they established the first musical play department at the New School and the American Theatre Wing professional training program. Their love for music and theater resulted in a devoted and creative marriage that lasted until his death. They had two children, Karen and Daniel Gorney, along with Jay's son, Rod, from his first marriage. They moved to New York from Los Angeles with the Broadway Show, "Touch and Go." After retiring from a 33 year career in public relations, Sondra returned to acting, performing Off-Broadway, as well as in film and TV. Her credits include roles in "The Producers" and in TV's "Law and Order." Her most recent performance was as Mrs. Hobson in Stuart Vaughan's "The Scarlet Letter" at the Gene Frankel Theatre. She also had a four-year run in "Grandma Sylvia's Funeral" (Soho Playhouse). Until 96, she attended the Master Class for Professional Actors. Sondra was the author of two books: "After Forty, How Women Can Achieve Fulfillment," and "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime - The Life of Composer Joy Gorney." A few months before her death, she completed writing her last book, an autobiography entitled "It's My Turn Now."