Obituary of Jacqueline I. Sondermann
Jacqueline (Jackie) Irene Sondermann, 81, resident of Hopewell Junction, New York for over 50 years passed away on June 23, 2023 due to complications from heart failure. Jackie was born on January 21, 1942, in Morris County, New Jersey to William and Bertha Pisacreta. She is survived by her beloved husband Robert Sondermann of Hopewell Junction, her daughter Stephanie, grandchildren Nolan, Noah, and Nevin of Wilmington, NC, and son Jeffrey (Marjorie) and grandchildren Josiah and Jacob of Holland Michigan. Her sisters Barbara (Juan) Preciado and June (Craig) Witty along with nephews, niece, and cousins in New Jersey.
A matriarch of the family and pillar of strength in the community, Jackie was a woman of great tenacity and unwavering principles. A good and faithful steward, she displayed an aptitude for cultivating seeds – both in her garden and in the classrooms of Fishkill Elementary School. Spanning three decades, Jackie or as her students would call her, “Mrs. Sondermann” imbued primary kids with a strong sense of determination, work ethic, and a deep sense of purpose. Stern but fair was the hallmark of her discipline. She reinforced good judgement with her students so that they may take better care of themselves. At her best, she was able to help her students access a better version of themselves and give every student the chance to reach their God-given potential. Her students would remember her saying “don’t cut corners and take the easy way out” and “if you are going to do something, you better do it right.”
While she had a reputation of being “tough” and wanted her students to work hard, she offered comfort in times of hardship and distress. This extended beyond her classroom and into her kitchen, where her house was a second home to many. Whether you were a first-time visitor or a frequent guest, all were welcome with open arms and fed a home cooked meal – often picked right from her garden! While she was big on nutrition, nothing was ever wasted. Jackie would repurpose kitchen scraps and coffee grounds long before recycling and composting was considered “cool.” She was thrifty! She even kept a vintage bar downstairs containing bottles that preceded UPC codes. Her pantry was always stocked for a rainy day as a hobby of hers was "quick trips" to Shop Rite. She will be fondly remembered for being an avid bargain hunter and coupon connoisseur. Most of all, she will be remembered for her delicious cooking and outspokenness.
She was a devout member of Saint Gregory's Orthodox Church where she was known to even shakedown the priests to pay their coffee dues or sign up for perogi making. She was a Life Member with East Fishkill Fire Department's Ladies Auxiliary, organizing many Penny Socials and Bake Sales, as well as a long-standing volunteer with the Fishkill Historical Society, hosting tours at the Van Wyck Homestead sharing her love of history.
Please join us as we grieve together and celebrate her full life at her service, starting on Wednesday June 28, 2023 from 4:30p-6:30p at Saint Gregory's Orthodox Church with refreshments and fellowship to follow until 8:30p. Funeral service will be Thursday, June 29, 2023 beginning with a Liturgical Celebration of The Feast of Saint Peter and Paul at 9am with a light luncheon to follow around 11am. She will then be laid to rest in Wilmington, NC Monday July 3, 2023 at 10am in Saint Basil the Great Orthodox Cemetery.
A Panikhida (memorial prayers with luncheon to follow) will also take place at Saint Gregory's in Wappingers Falls 40 days after her passing. For details and to plant a living tribute in the honor of Jackie please contact her daughter, Stephanie.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Saint Gregory's Orthodox Church, Saint Basil's Orthodox Church, and Wiccopee Fire House Ladies Auxiliary.
