Today is a good day.
- Sonoma
Obituary
Sonoma Leaurice Van Brunt – Leyhe passed away peacefully in her home on May 18, 2025, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with ALS. She was 62.
Born on October 17, 1962, in Washington, Sonoma was the beloved daughter of Donald and Kathryn Van Brunt. She carried a radiant spirit and a fierce heart through every chapter of her life. Her motto, “Today is a good day,” was more than just words; it was the way she lived.
Sonoma earned her BA in Communications from Brigham Young University and later received her MBA from the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School. A creative force from the start, she began her career crafting custom gift baskets with “Sincerely Sonoma.” She went on to lead in healthcare marketing, serving as Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, and later as Director of Business Development. She then worked for Crossroads School for the Arts and Sciences, where she contributed to anniversary planning and development.
While Sonoma accomplished much in her professional life, her greatest and most cherished roles were that of a mother and wife. The way she raised her daughter reflected everything Sonoma stood for: kindness, integrity, boldness, joy, and resilience. Sonoma was not just a parent; she was a best friend to her daughter, Katie. Even during the most difficult days of her illness, she never stopped being a “mama.” At home, Sonoma was the heart and steady hand of her family, their “CEO,” always ensuring that her loved ones felt cared for and supported. She and her husband, Bill, began their journey together 25 years ago and were married for nearly 16. Their bond was filled with laughter, partnership, and quiet strength. Sonoma was a source of light in their life together, and their love made them both better, stronger people.
Beyond her professional achievements, Sonoma was known for the life she cultivated outside of work. Those in her neighborhood called her the “Mayor.” She enjoyed gardening and her home was always full of fresh blooms, especially orchids. She was a devoted tennis player, often seen on the courts five days a week, and competed regularly. Her artistic side found a home in pottery, where she became known for her unique creations, including her beloved “flower beignets” and hand-crafted wall hangings. Sonoma continued to create and exhibit her art until ALS limited her physical ability, but never her creative spirit.
Sonoma lived with laughter, strength, and deep love. She was nurturing yet unafraid to speak up, fiercely advocating for what was right. Sonoma’s comforting spirit extended far beyond her immediate family. Her home was a sanctuary of warmth and welcome. Friends of Katie often became extended family, calling Sonoma a “second mom,” and she loved them in return with the same openness and protection. Sonoma was the kind of person who made everyone feel like family.
Though ALS was cruel, Sonoma remained a light throughout the diagnosis, ensuring her home and family was taken care of, managing her health with precision, and greeting each day with grace. Her strength never wavered. She was a fighter, a mother, a wife, a sister, an artist, and a true friend to all.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Bill Leyhe; her daughter, Kathryn Aulaire Aileen Browman; and her cherished sister, Arbutus Lewis. She was a proud aunt to Austin, Whitman, Amy, and Dakota Atwood, and a great-aunt to nine nieces and nephews.
We extend our deepest thanks to Sonoma’s caregivers Kenasha, Lita, Lupe, Norma, and Wendy who became part of our forever family. Their dedication, compassion, and love were a profound gift, and we are forever grateful for the comfort and joy they brought Sonoma during her journey.
Sonoma’s radiant smile, fierce love, and unwavering spirit will continue to live on in all of us who had the privilege of knowing her.
Gallery - Upload Here
Memory Wall
I am thinking of you and your family and I am sorry that I was not able to share in the celebration of your beloved. Know that I am sharing in your sadness as you remember your loved one. I had the pleasure of volunteering with Sonoma on many school events and getting to know her personally. Sonoma was a ray of sunshine, full of energy and always a positive light. When my husband passed away three years ago, Sonoma called me and I will never forget her kindness and support during that difficult time. I hope I can offer your family the same kindness during this unimaginable time. I will always cherish the wonderful memories I had with Sonoma. She was a very special person and I will miss her smile. Know that she will be missed by everyone she touched. Sending love and light-
Love this photo. Taken just last year in Austin. Such a wonderful family, and just as I met them: joyous, loving, and all smiles (with Katie between them).
“Life is a song - sing it”
Sonoma and I would turn on the tunes, sing out loud and dance in Katie & Sophia’s apartment as we unpacked boxes after their move.
“Life is a game - play it”
Sonoma and I placed pickle ball against our girls. We showed them that we still had it at our age and beat them every time. So many laughs!
“Life is a challenge - meet it”
Sonoma made sure she was there to help our daughters through pivotal times as they became strong, independent women.
“Life is a dream - realize it”
Sonoma was always the biggest cheerleader for Sophia and Katie, especially in their big move to NYC.
“Life is love - enjoy it”
Sonoma had a big heart. I was lucky to have her in my life. I’ll miss our adventures together, but she will always be there in spirit.
Sonoma was someone I always looked up to—so beautiful, so popular. I remember one moment especially. I was probably a freshman or sophomore, wandering the aisles of a local grocery store, when I ran into an upperclassman working there—someone I didn’t know well enough to even speak to. He was crouched at a low shelf stocking items and glanced up at me and said, “Oh hi, Sonoma.”
Oh my gosh. He thought I was Sonoma!
I was so stunned I couldn’t speak. He looked up again, this time a bit impatiently, and asked, “Can I help you find something?” I just shook my head and walked away. It was a silly thing—but I was glowing. That moment stayed with me for a long time. I've never told anyone that story.
Sonoma, thank you for your kindness and your friendship. For me you will always be that glow of beauty and love.
—Laurie
After that, there were many treasured times, both on and off the court. Sonoma was big on keeping her friend-family together. We both had one daughter each, and would speak conspiratorially about how lucky we were to each have these fabulous daughters, Maggie and Katie, that were forces of nature in their own right. We both got such a kick out of our fierce and funny little girls.
Sonoma was so creative, and always eager to share that with us. One day, she had a few of us over to teach us how to make gift tags. Who does that?! And we had a blast! I was so proud of my gift tags that, to this day, I have never used them on any gift I've wrapped, wanting to keep them for myself. We were bound and determined to have more art classes from our "Professor Sonoma" but sadly, that never happened.
I will miss her unrelenting energy, her love for her family and friends, and her unbridled enthusiasm for this life. And, of course, that laugh of hers.
Thank you, Sonoma, for everything. I feel lucky to have known you. I promise to repeat your mantra often:
Today is a good day.
Sophomore year we lived in the same apartment complex called Raintree. This is her photo from the ward phone book. She's adorable.
I didn't know she was sick. Had I known I would have reached out for sure. I'm so sorry for you loss. When my mom died someone said to me that my mom's mom was waiting with open arms as excited to embrace her as the day she was born. I'm sending hugs
Sonoma will be sorely missed for her vibrant energy, love of the game, competitive spitit, and most of all her essence. She always sported a big smile and positive attitude. It's obvious she felt blessed to be on the court with all her tennis friends. I am grateful to be a part of that circle who got to enjoy Sonoma's light on and off the court. I am confident she is rocking the court again.
Miss your beautiful soul Sonoma.
I will miss playing ping pong with SONOMA. Gosh! Sonoma was
SO COMPETITIVE! and so much fun
Celebration of Life
This is not a funeral, but a joyful remembrance. We come together to celebrate Sonoma’s beautiful spirit with warmth, color, and connection. Let’s fill the day with stories, smiles, and the kind of love Sonoma inspired in each of us.
Attire:
In the spirit of Sonoma’s enthusiasm and bright energy, we ask that you wear colorful clothing- something that reflects the brightness she brought into every room.
Details:
We will begin with a service to honor Sonoma’s Catholic faith at St. Monica Catholic Church. Join us in song and prayer as we pay tribute to her spiritual life. The service will be in person, however it will be live streamed for those who cannot attend (link is found below).
Immediately following the service, please join us for a reception at the Leyhe residence, where we will share stories, enjoy appetizers, and raise a glass in her memory.
Come as you are, stay as long as you’d like. Whether you attend the church service, the reception, or both, your presence will mean the world to us.
Parking Info:
There is parking at the church, but parking at the Leyhe residence is limited. We kindly encourage carpooling or using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft.
RSVP:
To help us plan, please RSVP using the button below.
Text Katie at (714) 944-0615 with any questions.
Memories
Please utilize the memory wall and gallery to upload any photos you have of Sonoma so that we can include them in the slideshow. Reach out to Katie (714-944-0615) if you have hard copies that you would like to send or videos.
If you have a bulk of photos to include, it will be easier to upload them to Memento using this link: https://albums.memento.com/Sonoma
725 California Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403
1:00 PM
Doors open at 12:00 PM, service begins promptly at 1:00 PM. Livestream link below for those who cannot attend in person.
544 East Rustic Rd, Santa Monica, CA 90402
Farewells at 5:30 PM
Donate
http://secure.alsnetwork.org/goto/sonomastrong2025
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