Obituary of Tamara K. Soderberg

Tamara K. Soderberg, passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2009. Tam is survived by her husband, Richard W. Soderberg, her children, Amber LaBandt (Todd), Jonathan Soderberg, Laura Lee Soderberg; four grandchildren, William, Sophia, J.J. and Rae; as well as her mother, Nelle Rounsaville of Wellsboro, PA; her father, Royce Perkins of Bend, Oregon, and her sister, Lori Long, (Jim) of Texas, loving nieces and cousins. An advocate for all of humanity, driven to taste the fullness of life by the meaning she found in the divinity in which she believed. In the grief of her passing she would remind us all as Khalil Gibran so eloquently wrote, For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun? And what is it to cease breathing but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered? Remembered cradled close to the divine, often rowing her boat, Namast, on the still waters where she found her greatest peace. A life filled with affirmations and endless giving. She traveled and loved the rich diversity of so many cultures mothering each life she found along the way. Her work as Director of International Education at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania or more appropriately the international momma was one of her greatest loves. A devoted mother and lover of life. A woman of more beauty and colors than words can begin to describe. Her passion for all those she loved shined like the sun at its zenith. Often found dancing in her garden; frying chicken for the next shindig; playing drums; discussing lifes philosophies; doing cartwheels; ceaselessly playing with her puppy, Kali; wrestling with her grandbabies and laughing her brilliant feisty laugh. Her enthusiasm and compassion for all those she met on her path flew sparks like the reflections of the sunlight on each and every plant she tended in her garden. A memorial service in celebration of Tams life will be held on Monday, June 1, 2009 at 1 pm in the garden at Lambs Creek Restaurant overlooking the university and the areas natural beauty she loved so dearly. The Jacquelyn A. Buckheit Funeral Chapel, Crematory & Monuments, PC, 637 S. Main St., Mansfield, PA is assisting the family. www.buckheitfcandcrematory.com "We can do no great things - only small things with great love." Mother Teresa (1910 - 1997)