Sandra Lee Sonsteng

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Sandra Lee Sonsteng (Freeburg), aged 84, of Fontana, California. Sandra passed away in the early morning hours of May 17, 2025. She was born on February 7, 1941 in Wilmington, Delaware, though she always considered Mars, Pennsylvania to be her true childhood home. Sandra lived there with her siblings Jeep and Judy Freeburg until she was 16. They cherished their childhood in Mars, where she loved picking wild berries with her grandmother and spending weekends roller skating. She even taught her cousin Chuck how to skate, and everyone agreed Sandra was the best skater of them all. At 16 her family moved to Fontana, California, where she graduated from Fontana High School in 1959. She met her future husband, Alvin Jerome Sonsteng, in 1957, and from the moment they met, she was his.

From a very young age, Sandra knew she wanted two things in life: to get married and to have children. And that is exactly what she did, and she did it beautifully. Together with Alvin, the love of her life, she raised three children: Renée, Linda, and Scott. Though they didn’t have much in terms of material wealth, they wanted for nothing, because Sandra gave them what mattered most: her time, her love, and her unwavering presence. From beach trips filled with laughter and frozen bananas to nights at the drive-in with Tupperware packed with popcorn and hot dogs, Sandra created a childhood rich with joy and cherished memories.

As her grandchildren began to arrive, so began her second life. Being a mother and wife was her first calling, being a grandmother was her second. Her seven grandchildren meant the world to her, and she would have gone to the ends of the earth for them. She and Alvin supported their grandchildren through college and every other life venture. In particular, the trips to Mountain Lakes were unforgettable, filled with joyful moments gliding across the water in paddle boats, fishing, and cooling off in the pool. Through it all, Grams (Sandy) was right there, dedicating hours to splashing and playing with her beloved grandkids, creating memories that would last a lifetime. Later in life, she showered her great-grandchildren with the same love and quality time, continuing her legacy of warmth, joy, and devotion. One of her greatest joys was watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren participate in sports and school programs, always cheering them on with pride and love.

Sandra built a thriving business with Tupperware Sunrise Sales Unit for 30 years, and became affectionately known as “the Tupperware lady”. Her exceptional sales skills and natural charm drove her success, allowing the family to enjoy special trips to places like Provo, Utah and Orlando, Florida. She was especially proud of being able to provide the family with a station wagon, earned through her success at Tupperware, a symbol of her hard work and dedication. What her kids, and later grandkids, remember most is being lovingly recruited to help package orders, making it a true family affair.

Outside of her family and work, Sandra was an active member of The SEED Christian Fellowship, where she participated in Bible studies and her women’s group. She and Alvin were deeply involved in Marriage Encounter, through which they formed life long friends. Sandra was an avid card maker, and her handmade birthday and holiday cards were treasured by all who received them. A phenomenal hostess, Sandra had a special talent for creating beautiful place settings and preparing delicious meals, complete with appetizers and desserts. She loved spending time with friends, taking trips to the beach, playing cards, and browsing thrift stores. Sandra and Al shared a love of travel and explored the country together in their RV, visiting every state except Hawaii and Alaska.

Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, Ejner John Freeburg and Mathilde Rosalie Freeburg, and her husband Alvin Jerome Sonsteng. She is survived by her brother Ejner (Jeep) John Freeburg and sister Judy Ann Freeburg; daughter Renée Lee Kakuska (Steve Kakuska); daughter Linda Mae Chipman (Mark Chipman); Scott Jerome Sonsteng (Carol Lucas); grandson Joshua Michael Kakuska (Zalina Pompa); granddaughter Megan Nicole Sonsteng (Hector Benavides); granddaughter Anna Mae Sexton (Timothy Sexton); granddaughter Melanie Ann Sonsteng-Person (Jeff Person); grandson Adam Scott Kakuska (Kaylyn Ragsdale); granddaughter Emily Renée Kakuska (Ali Reynhart); grandson Brett David Chipman (Megan); and nine great grandkids Holden, Locksley, Braxton, Augie, Sophie, Van, Adrie, Slater, and Oliver.

The Celebration of Life for Sandra Sonsteng is as follows:

June 25, 2025:

Service: 10:00 am -11:30 am

The Seed Christian Fellowship

9284 Baseline Rd

Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91701

For those who are not able to attend in person, we will have a livestream service available at 9:50am.

www.theseedchristianfellowship.com

Go to the livestream icon.

June 25, 2025:

Burial:1:00 pm

Green Acres Memorial Park and Mortuary

11715 Cedar Ave

Bloomington, CA 92316

June 25, 2025: Reception and Luncheon to follow. To be announced at Church service.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be greatly appreciated to:

The Seed Christian Fellowship found at The Seed General Fund:

6450 Emerald Street

Alta Loma, CA 91701

www.theseedchristianfellowship.com/giving