Joan Sommer, 1928 – 2008

Joan Sommer

Joan T. Sommer (nee Seliga) passed away Tuesday, September 9th. An adventurous spirit, Joan earned her pilot’s license before earning her driver’s license. Joan enjoyed the thrill of flying with a close knit tribe of girl friends. Joan was also gifted in academics. She graduated a year early from Notre Dame high school and went on to St. Louis University where she earned her Bachelor’s & Master’s degrees in Speech Therapy.

Joan is survived by her husband of 40 years, Gregory Lucas Sommer, her daughter Geralyn Madigan & son-in-law Jamie Madigan, granddaughters Sammy & Mandy Madigan, her brother Cliff Seliga, sisters Cleo Meiburger & Mary Chapman. Joan is now reunited with her sister Pat Lehmann, who passed away earlier this year. Joan had a zest for life and loved gardening, the Farm, the outdoors, and good chocolate.

Visitation will be held at St. Genevieve Du Bois Parish, 1571 N. Woodlawn Ave. in Warson Woods at 9 a.m., followed by a 10 a.m. funeral Mass, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Our Lady’s Inn.

She will be greatly missed.

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14 thoughts on “Joan Sommer, 1928 – 2008

  1. Just read the obit. – so down-to-earth – it was written as I am sure Joan would have been proud – yes, she accomplished a lot – she was special.

  2. Uncle Greg and Geralyn,
    I just read the obituary. It is beautiful – a wonderful tribute to a WONDERFUL lady. I will miss her dearly!
    Love – Nancy

  3. Hi Geralyn and Jamie,
    You don’t know me, but nonetheless, I’m sending my condolences and positive thoughts your way. I hope things get easier soon.

  4. greatly missed….yes, not the same just knowing she is gone. Yes, greatly missed.
    I will miss her and I am thankful for the wonderful memories I have of her. She is woven into the fabric of my life through Christmas at your house, listening to my mom and her talk through the night when we visited at Christmas, the farm and many other visits to St Louis.
    Always ready to listen, laugh, ask questions and offer an opinion in her wonderful voice, even when I spoke to her as she lay in the hospital.
    Greatly missed, but greatly touched by her presence and she will live on in my memories. Good Bye Aunt Joanie

  5. Our love and prayers are will all of you. I was blessed by being able to see Aunt Joan 3 times during my short time home, the first visit by far being the best, when she seemed on the road to recovery. When we spoke on the phone earlier in the year, I was very encouraged to hear she was reading the Bible daily. Great memories of her will live on in all our hearts. I shared these verses with her in a letter I wrote to her while she was in the hospital before we returned “Because he (she) love me”, says the Lord, “I will rescue him (her); I will protect him, for he acknowledges My name. He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisy him and show him My salvation.” (Psalms 91:14-16)

  6. Geralyn, as we grew up with you and “mr. and mrs. Sommer” 🙂 All of the Policarpo remember you and your family at this time. Such fond memories in WW and of course, the farm!! Yes, your mom loved the great outdoors as so does mine. My mom and dad especially want you to know that they are thinking about you as they know how close you were.
    Love you Ger,
    Maggie

  7. Dear Geralyn and Jamie,
    Maggie told us about your Mom. Please, accept our condolences,and prayers for your beloved mother.Our thoughts are always filled with good memories being with your parents at different family events. A warm hug to you all.
    Al & Rita

  8. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Aunt Joan was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

  9. Rica and I are very sorry for your loss.
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Aunt Joan will be greatly missed.
    I remember so many wonderful times at your house when we were kids.
    Those are the memories that will stay with me.
    If you need anything or just want to talk don’t hesitate to call anytime.

  10. Thanks to all for you for your condolences & kind words about my mom.
    Aunt Mary, I miss her too, yet the fact that she’s gone still seems so surreal to me as well. I’ll never know what it’s like to lose a sister, but I know how close & like-minded you two were. Your mannerisms, etc. always remind me of her. Call me any time.

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