East Lansing
Pauline A. Sondag died peacefully at home on April 16 with her family at her side. She was 93. Pauline was born November 16, 1927 to William and Emma Dolan in Champaign, Illinois. She graduated from the University of Illinois in 1949 with a B.A. in Journalism. In 1950, she married Theodore Sondag of Valmeyer, Illinois and moved with him to East Lansing.
In 1962, after bearing five children, Pauline started post graduate studies at Western Michigan University, taking weekend and night courses. In 1967, she was awarded an M.S. in Library Sciences. In 1968, at the age of 40, she began her career as a librarian working part-time at the MSU Agricultural Economics Reference Room. She retired from her position in fall of 1990 at 62.
Always an advocate for equality and social justice, Pauline participated in activities with her husband in the early 60’s aimed at eliminating discriminatory housing practices in East Lansing. She was also very active in supporting local arts and theater. She played tennis regularly, attending the US Open with members of her women’s league. After retirement, she and Ted traveled extensively. She was a voracious reader and a dedicated walker throughout her life. Even at age 93, she and her Nordic walking poles were a constant sight in her neighborhood.
Pauline was preceded in death by her husband, Theodore, and her siblings, Catherine, Mary, Robert, William, and Maurice and her son-in-law Thomas Kinney. She is survived by her children, Steve, Kathy (John Sala), Mark (Etai Chen), Thomas (Rebecca) and Kristin; and grandchildren, Dominic Sondag, Kevin Robishaw, Tony (Denelle) Sala, Alex Sala, Samantha Sondag, Theodore McGinn and Emma McGinn; and great-grandchild Aria.
A Memorial Mass and Celebration of Pauline’s life will be held at St. John Church and Student Center on Monday, May 3 at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive friends following the Funeral Mass.
Due to safety concerns and travel considerations, the service will also be streamed via
https://www.facebook.com/elsacraments and available afterward to view by going to the previously listed website. For those individuals who do wish to attend, in light of Michigan’s current surge, the family asks that recommended COVID safety practices be observed.
Given Pauline’s concern for the disadvantaged, the family asks that donations be made to the Greater Lansing Food Bank, P.O. Box 16224, Lansing, MI 48901.
For those desiring online condolences and memories may be left for the family by going to: www.greastlansing.com
DONATIONS
Greater Lansing Food BankP.O. Box 16224, Lansing, MI 48901
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