Teresa Ann Sondermann (nee Sweeney) of St. Louis, Missouri, age 94, Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, passed peacefully on Monday, December 22, 2025.
Teresa’s greatest joy was her family. Dearest daughter of George and Mary Sweeney (nee Foy); a devoted wife of 43 years to the late Richard Louis Sondermann, Sr.; beloved mother of seven children, Richard Jr. (Barbara Roth), the late James (the late Colleen McCaffrey), Mary Sondermann-Chick, Jane (John) Reader, the late Thomas, Patricia (Glen) Deutsch, Steven (Stacey Thompson); cherished grandmother of fourteen; proud great grand mother to a precious twelve; loving mother-in-law, sister, aunt, and good friend to many.
Teresa will be remembered for a life of love and compassion. After raising her children, Teresa earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the age of 50. She began her nursing career at Deaconess Hospital, then worked at the Jefferson Barracks Veterans Administration Hospital. Later in her career, Teresa achieved the responsibilities as the Director of Nursing at multiple long-term care facilities, retiring at the age of 82.
Teresa was an active member of the St Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church community. She enjoyed playing Bridge, but more so, Teresa cherished the friendship of the women among her multiple Bridge groups. Teresa was an avid reader of novels and the Saint Louis Post Dispatch newspaper. An expert shopper, Teresa always spotted a sale. She passed along these skills by making Black Friday shopping day a family tradition. The secret to Teresa’s youthfulness was the endless flow of Diet Coke, she’d say, “Keep it coming!”.
Of proud Irish heritage, Teresa held dear this Irish Blessing:
May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
May the rain fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Teresa’s honor can be made to: Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of St. Louis.
SERVICES: Funeral from KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL (10151 Gravois Rd., 63123) on Saturday, January 3, 9:15 AM to St. Gabriel the Archangel for 10:00 AM Mass. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation Friday from 5:00 – 8:00 PM.