Nancy Sondag, 74, died Jan. 1, 2024, in Manhattan, NY. She was born on July 1, 1949, in Red Bud, the daughter of Louis S. Sondag Sr. and Mary Ann (nee Lorenz) Sondag.

Nancy was a resident of Valmeyer until graduating from Valmeyer High School.  She attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale and graduated with a degree in education. From there she moved to NYC and began her career in the performing arts.

During the AIDS epidemic, Nancy used her talent to co-found a non-profit organization called “Hearts and Voices.”  This organization started with five volunteers in her apartment and ended up with 1,000 performers putting on shows for hospitalized AIDS patients throughout New York City. 

As Nancy continued using the arts to heal, she became a certified drama therapist, specializing with dementia and Alzheimer patients.  She paved a new path, training and mentoring others to work with this population.

Nancy was a member of the Church of the Epiphany in NYC where she served on the board of trustees, taught Catechism to the children and introduced the staff to biblio-therapy.  

Nancy was loved by so many and she gave love and compassion to all.  She will never be forgotten.

She is survived by her husband Tom Thomas; stepson Craig Thomas and his wife Rebecca; and step-grandchildren Elliot and Celia. 

Nancy is also survived by her ten siblings: John Sondag of Minnesota, Sally Ross of Indiana, Louis Jr. (Sally Piernick) of Oregon, Fran Sondag of Oregon, Andrew Sondag (Evelyn Sue) of Illinois, Mary Sondag Wong (Ken) of Oregan, Rick Sondag (Julie) of Oklahoma, Robbie Sondag (Joy) of Indiana, Tony Sondag of Oregon and Greg Sondag (Cindy)of Illinois. She is survived by her Aunt Mildred Homan, her 25 nieces and nephew and her cousins.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents and her brother-in-law Jay Ross.

There will be a memorial Mass in Nancy’s honor at 10 a.m. March 22 at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Waterloo.  

There will be a burial blessing at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery after the Mass. 

Donations made in Nancy’s honor can be made to the Alzheimer Association.

Arrangements are with Quernheim Funeral Home.