GREEN BAY, Wis. - Deanna LaFaive Sundstrom, 41, went home to be with her Lord on Monday, May 25, 2009, after a courageous six year battle with Lieomyosarcoma, a rare cancer of the soft tissues of the body.
She was a 1986 graduate of Norway High School, received her bachelor's degree from Northern Michigan University and graduate degree from Cardinal Stretch University in Milwaukee. Deanna taught math and computer sciences at Preble High School in Green Bay from 1997-2009.
Deanna was born on Dec. 13, 1967, in Norway, the daughter of Mary and Dennis LaFaive.
Deanna married her high school sweetheart, Jim Sundstrom, on Aug. 12, 1989. Deanna and Jim were blessed by the gift of two beautiful daughters, Geri and Mia. The family has resided in Green Bay for the past 17 years.
Surviving are Deanna's husband, Jim; their daughters, Geri and Mia Sundstrom, at home; her parents, Mary (Richards) and Dennis LaFaive; her paternal grandmother, Edna (Larson) LaFaive; sisters, Deborah (Robert) King of Iron Mountain and Donna (Randy) Wagner of Norway; her sisters-in-law, Jody (Jay) Miller, Joy (Phil) Johnson and Andrea (Nick) Blomberg; brother-in-law, David (Connie) Carlsen, nieces, Emily Bell, Sara and Courtney Wagner, Katrina and Alexandra Miller, Chiara Johnson, and Elena and Christine Blomberg; nephews, Joshua Bell, Eric Johnson, Luke and Jesse Miller, Calvin Blomberg, and Joshua, Caleb and Matthew Carlsen; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Judy and Bob Carlsen of Norway; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Preceding Deanna in death are an infant brother, Dennis, in 1966; a sister, Denise, in 1980; and grandparents, Charles LaFaive, and Freely and Angela Richards.
Deanna was a passionate advocate for Lieomyosarcoma research, and served as an adviser for Preble High School's "Sting Cancer" organization. Her family is grateful for the compassion and practical assistance of the Sting Cancer Group and all the Preble community through the years of Deanna's illness. A special thank you is expressed, as well, to her many faithful friends, including the "Chicago Six." The family is grateful for the spiritual support of Spring Lake Church and for all who lifted her in prayer and performed deeds of kindness. May God bless each one.
Throughout her battle, Deanna encountered many talented medical personnel that she wished to thank for their skill and dedication, in particular Dr. Erich Metzler, Dr. Jonathan Tammela, Dr. Linda Gemer, Martha Kralovec PA, Tina Schuster, Peg Savoie and all the caring medical staff of Gynecologic Oncology at St Vincent's Hospital.
Deanna was blessed with an infinite capacity to give. She gave all she had to her students and will be remembered as an inspiring teacher and friend to her students. She and her family enjoyed all outdoor activities, including camping, kayaking, hiking and traveling. At the end of March, she and her daughters were enabled to take a dream vacation to the San Francisco area through the generosity of her parents and loyal friends at the Green Bay Police Department.
Deanna was a lover of life until the end, and is now embarked on what she considered her life's greatest adventure. In her own words, written in her web-journal on April 25, "I am secure in the knowledge of where I will spend eternity. The time apart from my family and friends will be short in comparison to spending eternity together."
A visitation will be held at Spring Lake Church, 2240 Klondike Road, Green Bay on Wednesday, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a Celebration of Deanna's life held on Thursday at the church, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Burial will take place at the Norway Cemetery.
Proko-Wall Funeral Home of Green Bay, Wis. is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to the Sundstrom family at www.prokowall.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made toward a memorial in Deanna's honor.