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.
Beloved Aunt. We will remember her laughter and warmth. And picnics in St. Francis Park. All our love to our Sondermann cousins, hoping that you find peace and healing.
Love the Charles Sweeney cousins
I always told Teresa she was my hero! She was a beautiful soul.
RIP Teresa! An amazing matriarch of a wonderful family! You will be missed! 🙏
The times Mrs.Sondermann would spank Tom+ I for acting up when playing out in the yard of the house on Delor , the vacations, the memories of a beautiful family + how ours was part of
Prayers for + Gods Speed for peace
Jane,
I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s, and also Jim’s passing. I remember your mom fondly from Girl Scout activities, as well as just being around at school, like so many of our moms. She was a lot of fun! I cannot believe Jim has also passed and having them go at the same time has to be beyond difficult. As Jim was 5 years older than us, I was surprised many years ago that he remembered me when we met [again] several years ago; what a nice guy he was. God’s blessings as you and your family endure the coming long, hard weekend.
Sondermanns,
My cousins! That’s always how I felt. We saw you more than any of our actual family blood related cousins. So many memories.
Grand Haven. We were walking into town one of the early years. Someone heard, “Is that an orphanage?” Of course because there were 1,000 of us kids.
Thinking of all of you.
What great memories of the Sondermann! The trip to Florida and to Grand Haven. There were so many of us. We rented a dilapidated house in GH and all of you stayed with us because it rained. What fun we had. Your Mom will be so missed. May God bless all of you in your sorrow and keep you close to His Sacred Heart.
I grew up with you showing love in the tea parties and sewing projects, and when you were with me in the delivery room for my first born. You will always hold a special place in my heart. Rest in peace Aunt Teresa.
Our condolences to the Sondermann family on your loss.