Obituary for John D. Sundstrom
John David Sundstrom, age 67, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 following a long battle with Parkinson’s disease and other ailments.
Jack is survived by his brother, James Sundstrom; sister-in-law, Joan Sundstrom; and nephew, Luke Sundstrom, with whom he lived for many years. Also survived by niece, Emily Sundstrom, her husband, Jeremiah Niez; and their children Lorelei, Frederick and Oskar Niez, and his niece Rachel Sundstrom. Jack will be greatly missed by all of his beloved family. He was predeceased by his parents, Carl Sundstrom and Claire (Nelson) Sundstrom.
Jack graduated from Shrewsbury High School in 1974. Though disabled, Jack worked his whole adult life in various maintenance, shipping and housekeeping roles. He started his career at Digital Equipment in Shrewsbury and ended in the housekeeping staff at UMass Memorial Health Care until he was too disabled to continue working. We know that over the years, many managers and staff members helped nurture Jack in the workplace. Though we never met a single one of them, we want to take this opportunity to thank them all for their help in caring for Jack through the years. We would also like to honor my mother’s wishes and personally thank then State Senator Polito for helping Jack find employment at UMass when all looked hopeless.
For most of his life, Jack lived at home with his parents. They completely dedicated their lives to including him in everything they did. From weekends at their house in Dennisport, to trips to Florida and Cooperstown and many more, they lived for themselves and Jack. Jack loved all Boston sports teams, but the Red Sox and Bruins were his favorites. As a family, the four of them went to the 1967 World Series and to this day were amazed that the bleacher tickets cost $2.00! Jack loved to bowl and was in leagues for many years. He was a member for many years of the Knights of Columbus Council #4181.
Over the past two plus years, as Jack was robbed of the ability to walk or communicate, he received the most loving care imaginable from the staff at Southbridge Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. Never once did his family regret the decision to place him there after they could no longer care for him in their home. For that, you all have our undying gratitude. We also want to thank the medical professionals, Dr. Quirico Evangelista and Mary Burke from Summit Eldercare for Jack’s medical care over the years. Dr. E, thank you for your inspiring words to our family on many occasions.
Jack will always be remembered for being the most pure, loving and gentle soul.
In lieu of flowers we ask that people might consider making a donation in Jack’s honor to Community Harvest Project, 39 Wheeler Road, North Grafton, MA 01536, to help that organization in their never-ending battle to help with local food insecurity.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the Sundstrom family from 5 – 7 PM on Monday, May 8, 2023 at the BRITTON-WALLACE FUNERAL HOME, 91 Central Street, Auburn, MA. His funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at Blessed Sacrament Church, 551 Pleasant Street, Worcester, followed by burial in Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury
Jack is survived by his brother, James Sundstrom; sister-in-law, Joan Sundstrom; and nephew, Luke Sundstrom, with whom he lived for many years. Also survived by niece, Emily Sundstrom, her husband, Jeremiah Niez; and their children Lorelei, Frederick and Oskar Niez, and his niece Rachel Sundstrom. Jack will be greatly missed by all of his beloved family. He was predeceased by his parents, Carl Sundstrom and Claire (Nelson) Sundstrom.
Jack graduated from Shrewsbury High School in 1974. Though disabled, Jack worked his whole adult life in various maintenance, shipping and housekeeping roles. He started his career at Digital Equipment in Shrewsbury and ended in the housekeeping staff at UMass Memorial Health Care until he was too disabled to continue working. We know that over the years, many managers and staff members helped nurture Jack in the workplace. Though we never met a single one of them, we want to take this opportunity to thank them all for their help in caring for Jack through the years. We would also like to honor my mother’s wishes and personally thank then State Senator Polito for helping Jack find employment at UMass when all looked hopeless.
For most of his life, Jack lived at home with his parents. They completely dedicated their lives to including him in everything they did. From weekends at their house in Dennisport, to trips to Florida and Cooperstown and many more, they lived for themselves and Jack. Jack loved all Boston sports teams, but the Red Sox and Bruins were his favorites. As a family, the four of them went to the 1967 World Series and to this day were amazed that the bleacher tickets cost $2.00! Jack loved to bowl and was in leagues for many years. He was a member for many years of the Knights of Columbus Council #4181.
Over the past two plus years, as Jack was robbed of the ability to walk or communicate, he received the most loving care imaginable from the staff at Southbridge Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. Never once did his family regret the decision to place him there after they could no longer care for him in their home. For that, you all have our undying gratitude. We also want to thank the medical professionals, Dr. Quirico Evangelista and Mary Burke from Summit Eldercare for Jack’s medical care over the years. Dr. E, thank you for your inspiring words to our family on many occasions.
Jack will always be remembered for being the most pure, loving and gentle soul.
In lieu of flowers we ask that people might consider making a donation in Jack’s honor to Community Harvest Project, 39 Wheeler Road, North Grafton, MA 01536, to help that organization in their never-ending battle to help with local food insecurity.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the Sundstrom family from 5 – 7 PM on Monday, May 8, 2023 at the BRITTON-WALLACE FUNERAL HOME, 91 Central Street, Auburn, MA. His funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at Blessed Sacrament Church, 551 Pleasant Street, Worcester, followed by burial in Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury