Doris Sodersten (nee Jensen) died peacefully at St. James Hospital’s hospice unit on June 14, 2015 in Chicago Heights, Illinois at the age of 98.
Doris is survived by three sons: Noel (Renee Oswald), Lawrence (Karen Franczak), and Donald (Patricia Papesh), and one daughter Ruth Franzen. She was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn, and daughter Carol.
Doris was born in Scandinavia, Wisconsin, the fourth of four children (Henry, Allen and Ruth) to Alice and J.P. Jensen on February 28, 1917. In 1934 she graduated from Central Wisconsin College / High School. She married Glenn Sodersten in Chicago, Illinois on November 19, 1938. She raised five children in the Chicago area before returning to work in the health care industry. Owing to her keen intelligence and attention to detail she had a successful 25 year career beginning in the Radiology Department of St. Frances Hospital in Blue Island, Illinois and culminating as the Executive Assistant to the Doctor of Pathology at Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey, Illinois. Doris was generous to many local and national charities, especially those concerning child welfare and continuing education. She was an avid sports fan of many college and professional teams especially the Chicago Cubs and Bulls. An avid reader, Doris’ tastes included biographies, history, and contemporary novels. Doris credited her long life to the work skills she learned as a young girl and to always staying active both physically and mentally.
Doris’ friends and children, along with eight grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild will pass on her humor, love of family, and indomitable spirit. Her passing was mourned privately.