Elizabeth M. 'Betty' Sodomka

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Sodomka, Elizabeth M. "Betty" (nee Lannon), of Burnsville, passed away peacefully September 1, 2017. Born December 25th, 1930, Betty was preceded in death by husband, Jim; daughter, Ann Marie; and infant son; parents Bill and Helen Lannon; brother and sister-in law, Leo and Josephine Lannon; grandson, Johnny Hughes; parents-in-law, Emma and Joseph Sodomka; and brother-in-law: Leo Picek. She is lovingly remembered by her children and their spouses, Lori (Steve) DuPont; Joe (Deb) Sodomka; Mary (Mike) Hughes; Nancy (Mark) Werner; Margaret (Lonny) Lunn; Jim (Heather) Sodomka; Michael (Peggy Pond) Sodomka; her twelve grandchildren and numerous extended family, relatives and friends. Evening visitation will be held from 4 to 8 P.M. on Friday, September 8th at O'Halloran and Murphy Funeral Chapel, 575 South Snelling Avenue, Saint Paul, MN. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 A.M. Saturday, September 9th; with morning visitation beginning at 10AM at Mary, Mother, of the Church, 3333 Cliff Road, Burnsville, MN. Interment at Saint John's Cemetery, Savage, MN., following the services. Betty often described her greatest accomplishment as raising her seven children; however, there is much more to her legacy. She was an avid outdoorswoman who loved nature. She traveled to many destinations across the globe. She was a gifted writer of poetry and an avid reader. Her Catholic faith and her strong spiritual connection guided her life. Betty was very proud of her Irish heritage and her roots growing up on a farm. She was a direct descendant of one of the original pioneer families that came to Burnsville from Ireland. She was very involved in collecting oral stories and contributed significantly to the writing of a local history book and marched every year in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in St. Paul. Betty's education started in a one-room country school house. She attended Good Counsel Academy in Mankato for her high school years and received her Master of Arts degree from Saint Mary's College at the age of 57 years. Betty was a licensed Clinical Social Worker and worked as a psychotherapist in private practice. She was very active in post-abortion outreach and was co-founder of the Total Lifecare Center. She was also co-founder of the Community Caring for Life Committee of the Archdiocese. She was a volunteer counselor at the MN Correctional Facility for Women in Shakopee and served as a retreat counselor for Women's Retreats at the Franciscan Retreat Center. The family wants to extend a special thanks to the staff at Wealshire of Bloomington and Park Nicollet Hospice for caring for Betty in the final chapter of her life. Their genuine compassionate care and love for Betty was evident. O'Halloran & Murphy, 651-698-0796

Published on September 3, 2017