SONIA MINASSIAN BROWNING 1934 - 2008

Sonia was born in Athens, Greece to Armenian parents, Dr. Megeurditch and Mrs. Hripsime Minnasian. The Minassian family had been forced to leave their home in Turkey during the Armenian massacres of 1922. They found a new home and birthplace for Browning and her brother, Minas, in Athens.

Browning came to the United States in 1953 as a scholarship student at Baker University in Baldwin, Kansas. She earned a degree in Chemistry in 1956, and married Robert Browning that same year.

She leaves her husband of 51 years and their two sons, Alexander and Gregory. Their daughter Heidi preceded her in death.

Sonia and Robert have lived on Pensacola Beach since 1987. Prior to 1987, the Browning family moved frequently to accommodate different job assignments. Most of the assignments were overseas - Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. Browning was able to find employment at each overseas location because she was fluent in five languages. Other than her scientific work, Browning worked as a travel agent, secretary, employment recruiter and school teacher.

She was love and respected by all, especially her immediate family, and will be truly missed.