DARBEY, Sonia Marie
1 May 1966 – 2 August 2024
Aged 58
Sonia was deeply/wholeheartedly loved, adored and treasured by Niall and their son, Hamilton who was the focus of her life and love.
Widely known and loved, Sonia or Princess Pilates was an inspiration to us and her many friends and Pilates clients. The Founder of Pilates Physique, which for over 20 years was one of Sydney’s leading Pilates Studios starting in Paddington RSL and growing into its premises in Edgecliff, opposite Edgecliff Station. High standards, attention to detail and doing the right thing, as well as helping to transform people’s lives was at the core of the business she embodied and loved.
Born in southern Queensland, Sonia attended Ipswich Girls Grammar on a scholarship and was a state representative in athletics, before completing a degree in Marketing at University of Queensland. Following this Sonia worked for ClubMed overseas, returning to Australia after a few years and moving to Sydney to work in the music industry, before entering the Pilates industry and then founding Pilates Physique.
Known as a beautiful, quick-witted, strong willed, loyal and a fierce defender of her turf Sonia did not look backwards, living for today and to build a future for her friends and family (Niall and Hamilton), especially their son Hamilton. Sonia’s encouragement of Hamilton in anything he did, especially at his swimming carnivals (she loved the swimming community), was bright, infectious and happy. She loved seeing him develop into the great young man he is today and she will always be there for him, a special angel to give him comfort, guidance and strength.
Sonia passed away on 2 August, after 3 years of suffering caused by grade 4 GBM, brain cancer. Her courage, investigation of treatment options, resilience and spirit were inspirational. We did what we could, but it does not feel enough.
Vale our wonderful, fabulous, courageous Sonia/Mum!
Sonia’s many friends are welcome at her funeral that will be held at Eastern Suburbs Crematorium at 11am, Friday 16th August 2024, followed by A Celebration of Life at 1pm at Royal Sydney Golf Club.