Diane K. Sonderskov

Diane Kay Sonderskov, Seattle actress, playwright, poet, and teacher, passed away on Sunday, August 12th, at age 63, after a lengthy battle with breast cancer.

Born May 23, 1938, in Portland, Oregon to Robert and Cleone, Ms. Sonderskov began her acting career at Grant High School and Portland State University, which eventually led to her 1965 graduation from The National Theatre School of Canada in Montr?al. Some of her career highlights include touring throughout Canada, performing with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the Oregon Symphony, comedienne Zasu Pitts, and poet Leonard Cohen. After 11 years in Canada, Ms. Sonderskov returned home to Portland to live closer to family and raise her daughter. In Portland, Ms. Sonderskov continued her acting career with local theatre, such as the Portland Civic Theatre, worked as a secretary in development at P.S.U. while obtaining a BS in education, and taught for the Portland Public School District.

A Seattlite since 1987, Ms. Sonderskov is the actress and playwright of three one-woman shows on important historical figures to Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. Her illness inspired her to compose a series of poems; some published nationally as well as exhibited in Washington, D.C. An active member of the Seattle substitute teachers union, Ms. Sonderskov retired from teaching in 1996. Well-known around the city, Ms. Sonderskov had a zest for life and considered Seattle home. In later years, she was a voracious gardener, writer and volunteered with the Millionair Club when she could. She will be missed deeply by all that knew her.

Ms. Sonderskov is survived by loving daughter, Laura J. Sonderskov, of New York City; proud mother, Cleone S. Petersen, of Walnut Creek, CA; half-brother and actor, Robert F. Sonderskov, of New York City; half-sister and teacher, Beth Maley, of Brewster, NY; nephews Mark Sonderskov, Matthew Maley, and niece, Allison Maley, all of New York State.

A memorial service will be planned and announced for a later date. As a family suggestion, remembrances may be made to Bailey-Boushay House, The Swedish Hospital Foundation, the Ballard Magnolia Food Bank, the Chicken Soup Brigade, The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, or to a local charity of your choice. Friends and family are welcome to visit the online guest book at www.evergreen-washelli.com

What If?

What if?

the joy of life

coupled with the

fear of living

is what grabs and tosses

the unmerciful dice

in an unknowing,

unending

force

behind all.

c. 1986, American Poetry Anthology

Diane Sonderskov

And Yet Another Dance

It?s different now

I know everybody and the medical

jargon

no longer frightens me as it used to.

What does bring a kind of

salt-water fear

to my veins, tho,

is that long before I?m ready

the land of darkness will

encompass me and become

my next home

when I?m just beginning

to like

the home I?ve got.

Is there still time for a bargain

to be made'

I think not.

But you never know until you ask.

Right'

August 1999

Diane Sonderskov