Louise Kay Sonderfan

Louise Kay Sonderfan, age 80, was welcomed into the loving arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 20, 2021.  She was born to Simon and Fannie Heeres of Grand Rapids MI, on September 7, 1940.  She is survived by her dear, loving husband of 55 years, Dick Sonderfan, her children Marlene Cook of MI, Craig Sonderfan (wife Kathy) of NJ, Patrice Prince (husband David) of MI and Jackie Sonderfan Schoon (husband Steve) of MI; her grandchildren, Sara Heerema (husband Mike) of NJ, Rick Sonderfan (wife Corin) of NJ, Kate Fylstra (husband Paul) of NJ, Loren Prince (wife Salem) of WI, Emily Prince of MI, Maria Schoon of MI and Nadia Schoon of MI, and eleven beloved great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her sister, Virginia Heerema (husband Elmer) of CA and Jack Heeres (wife Barbara) of MI, nieces, nephews, and numerous loving friends.  Louise began her life’s work as a Physical Education teacher at Eastern Christian Junior High, in New Jersey.  There she met and married Dick, and became Mother to Marlene, Craig and Patrice.  Daughter, Jackie, was born in 1969, and two years later, Louise and Dick moved back to Grand Rapids. She worked at the Christian Learning Center (now called All Belong) as the administrative assistant for over 30 years.  There she served both staff and students with the love of Christ.  She was a long-time member of First Christian Reformed Church where she loved to worship God, study His word, and fellowship with Christian brothers and sisters.  She and served its congregation and church neighbors with compassion and generosity.  Her family and friends know her as funny, no-nonsense, loving, and dedicated to her family.  She was always up for a cup of coffee and a piece of pie. When you walked into her home, you would immediately know her favorite color is orange.  You might also see her sitting with Dad, chatting and reminiscing, or you might see her working on a jigsaw puzzle.  She also loved to bird and spent many hours with her daughter Marlene and fellow birders, waiting patiently to spot another “lifer”.  But what gave her the most joy and satisfaction in life was her family.  Her boundless enthusiasm for family celebrations and get-togethers was the glue that helped us all mark life’s events.   As a family, we grieve her upon her passing, yet will celebrate her in daily moments and family gatherings to come. A private, family service is planned for Wednesday, March 24.  In a few months when it is safer, we will invite friends and family to gather, wearing orange, of course, and celebrate Mom with a piece of pie.  In the meantime, if you would like to honor Louise, in lieu of flowers, please send a gift to All Belong

https://allbelong.org/ or to the Endowment Fund at First Christian Reformed Church http://firstcrc.org/.