Eileen S. Sonderland, 86, volunteer at Father Pat’s Kitchen
October 31, 2024
Eileen Sheehan Sonderland of the Tradition Club died Oct. 23. She was 86.
She was born Aug. 10, 1938, in Jersey City, N.J., the daughter of Rose Sheehan. Eileen strongly identified with her Irish heritage and was raised a devout Catholic.
As an Irish Catholic middle-child raised in New Jersey, she had no choice but to be a tough firecracker.
After graduating from St. Michael’s High School, she married Arthur Sonderland in 1959. They flourished in their careers, had three children and built an amazing life together.
They moved to Pawleys island in 1997 and joined Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church.
When Mr. Sonderland was diagnosed with end stage cancer, Eileen put him in the car and took him on a cross-country trip; their final adventure before his death in 2000.
Through the church, Mrs. Sonderland volunteered at Father Pat’s Kitchen, made life-long friendships and found community support.
She is survived by her daughter, Susan; her grandchildren Jennifer (Elizabeth), Jessica and Timothy Gillies (Stephanie), Christine Hults (Nicholas) and AJ McKay; her great-grandchildren, Madelyn, Aubrey and Joshua Hults, Jack, Charlie, Benjamin and Connor Gillies; and her friends who became family, Pat Kitowicz, and her daughters Amy and Jennifer.
In addition to her husband, her son, Michael, and another daughter, Sharon, died before her.
A funeral Mass was celebrated Monday at Precious Blood of Christ. Inurnment was in the church columbarium.
Condolences may be set at mayerfuneralhome.com.
