In Memory Of
Sondra Kathryn Christian
1931
2018
Sondra Kathryn Christian
December 25, 1931 — October 13, 2018
Sondra Kathryn Christian was a loving mother, wife, grandmother, dear friend, kind neighbor, educator, teacher, and active community member. A gentle soul, devoted to her family and to her Catholic faith; how she lived her life and her quiet, steadfast faith made her an example and guidepost for many to emulate. She was blessed with a rich, meaningful, full life, always ready to offer help and support her friends, neighbors, and family. After her children were grown, she enjoyed being a member of the Secular Franciscan community, participating in her neighborhood Bible Study group, attending events at the Dominican Retreat House, attending Interfaith Community of Schenectady celebrations, gardening outdoors, feeding her finches, and delighting in young children, especially her grandchildren. She embodied a generosity and selflessness of spirit throughout her entire life.
In addition to her family and faith, education was Sondra's vocation. She credited her beloved Aunt Mary, Uncle Tommy, and Cousin Kathy Ringwood (Fitzgibbons) of Syracuse for welcoming her to live in their home so she could attend LeMoyne College.
After graduating with a degree in Mathematics, in the bridal party of a Lemoyne classmate, Sondra would meet her future husband Charles, an usher to the occasion. They were soon married in Ithaca, started their family, then moved to Niskayuna in 1963 where they raised six children and embraced the surrounding community. Sondra earned a master's degree in early childhood education from Russell Sage College, and attained specialized certifications in both Montessori and early reading teaching.
She loved teaching reading, and religious education to children. While she made being a mother her highest calling, she also worked in multiple teaching positions, and with Social Services of Schenectady, always true to her faith. She put her educational training to good use teaching reading to three and four-year-olds at Pine Hills Montessori School, and to inmates via Schenectady prison ministries. Sondra loved books, libraries, and the Open Door bookshop on Jay Street. She taught her children the importance of education remaining engaged in their lives by sending them thoughtfully curated books and newspaper clippings.
She is predeceased by her beloved husband of 50 years Charles R. Christian; and her siblings, Susan, Cynthia and Timothy.
Sondra is survived by her children, Anna, John, Peter, Joseph, Sara, and Judith "Jody", daughter-in-laws Martha and Emily, and grandchildren: Michael, Matthew, Hannah, Katherine "Kit", and Cecilia "Ceci"; brother, Chris Donaldson, wife Merilyn; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, October 25th, 2018 at 9:00 AM at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish Church, 1803 Union Street, Schenectady. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Troy.
Memorial contributions may be made to: St Kateri Tekakwitha Elementary School, Catholic Relief Services, or Feeding America.
In addition to her family and faith, education was Sondra's vocation. She credited her beloved Aunt Mary, Uncle Tommy, and Cousin Kathy Ringwood (Fitzgibbons) of Syracuse for welcoming her to live in their home so she could attend LeMoyne College.
After graduating with a degree in Mathematics, in the bridal party of a Lemoyne classmate, Sondra would meet her future husband Charles, an usher to the occasion. They were soon married in Ithaca, started their family, then moved to Niskayuna in 1963 where they raised six children and embraced the surrounding community. Sondra earned a master's degree in early childhood education from Russell Sage College, and attained specialized certifications in both Montessori and early reading teaching.
She loved teaching reading, and religious education to children. While she made being a mother her highest calling, she also worked in multiple teaching positions, and with Social Services of Schenectady, always true to her faith. She put her educational training to good use teaching reading to three and four-year-olds at Pine Hills Montessori School, and to inmates via Schenectady prison ministries. Sondra loved books, libraries, and the Open Door bookshop on Jay Street. She taught her children the importance of education remaining engaged in their lives by sending them thoughtfully curated books and newspaper clippings.
She is predeceased by her beloved husband of 50 years Charles R. Christian; and her siblings, Susan, Cynthia and Timothy.
Sondra is survived by her children, Anna, John, Peter, Joseph, Sara, and Judith "Jody", daughter-in-laws Martha and Emily, and grandchildren: Michael, Matthew, Hannah, Katherine "Kit", and Cecilia "Ceci"; brother, Chris Donaldson, wife Merilyn; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, October 25th, 2018 at 9:00 AM at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish Church, 1803 Union Street, Schenectady. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Troy.
Memorial contributions may be made to: St Kateri Tekakwitha Elementary School, Catholic Relief Services, or Feeding America.
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