Jeffrey Sondergaard, 60, of Edgecomb, passed away at home on Jan. 13 surrounded by his loving family. Jeff was born on Jan. 17, 1952 to Barbara Dixon and Victor Sondergaard. He graduated from Wiscasset High School in 1970 and then joined the Navy.
After traveling across the country and exercising his free spirit, Jeff returned home to Maine. He married Deborah Hadley in 1987, and their son Derek was born in 1990. He embraced his role as father and mentor. He loved spending time with Derek, from endless hours of playing with Legos to camping, boating, and lobstering together. His commitment extended to his time serving as Derek’s Webelos pack leader. Jeff’s love and devotion to his family was apparent to everyone he came in contact with. Jeff was a friend to all – it’s just who he was.
When not at home, his favorite places to be were on the Sheepscot River and at Moosehead Lake. Living on the coast of Maine and experiencing her beauty was an integral part of Jeff’s life.
Jeff worked at Maine Yankee for 28 years as a security guard, and most recently worked as a sexton at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Newcastle. He truly enjoyed the friendships he developed while working for the church. Shortly after Jeff started working there, he was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome. In October 2010, he had a successful bone marrow transplant at Dana-Farber in Boston.
Jeff was predeceased by his mother, Barbara Barnes; and brother, Scott Barnes.
Jeff is survived by his soul mate and best friend, Deb; son, Derek; dog, Rosie; sister, Robin Rushlau and husband Geoff of Dresden; brothers, Jody and Rob Barnes, both of Whitefield; and several nieces and nephews.
Celebration of his life 11 a.m., Sat., Jan. 19 at St. Patrick’s Church in Newcastle. A reception will follow at St. Patrick’s Parish Center.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jeff’s memory may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or www.dana-farber.org/gift or to the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, PO Box 7, Edgecomb 04556.
