Mary Lynn Sondee

Mary Lynn Sondee, 90 of Traverse City passed away Sunday, July 12, 2026 with her family at her side.

Mary Lynn was born on February 15, 1936 in Indianapolis Indiana to the late Charles and Lola (Fisher) McCorkle. She graduated from Manistee High School and DePauw University. Her double majors were Education and Voice. She sang in the University Choir and the Collegians, a specialty voice ensemble. Ron was also in the Choir, which toured Europe following Ron's graduation from DePauw in 1956 when they began dating. They were married in 1957 as Ron was beginning his second year at Duke Law School. Mary Lynn took part-time courses at Duke, while working as secretary to the professors of the Divinity School as well as directing a church Choir at the request of one of the professors. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from DePauw in 1959, the same year Ron received his law degree. They moved to Michigan where Ron began his law career with a Detroit law firm. After two years at that firm they decided to move to western Michigan, first to St. Joseph-Benton Harbor, and then to Traverse City in 1972.

She began her teaching career in Ferndale and then St. Joseph-Benton Harbor where she taught elementary and junior high students. Elementary music became her focus in Traverse City, primarily at Eastern and Old Mission Schools, from 1973 through her retirement in 1993. Mary Lynn's goal in teaching elementary music, grades 1 through 6, was to instill appreciation for music and to build confidence in performing at any task. Her students performed such musicals (student versions) as Cats and Pirates of Penzance. For years past students would come to her in restaurants or theaters and thank her. She also taught music to the junior campers at Interlochen Arts Camp, ages 8-11. Wherever they lived, Mary Lynn formed a junior Church choir, including Mission Hill Church (formerly First Congregational Church).

Mary Lynn had many talents including singing, conducting, modeling for Century boats in Manistee, tennis, playing the saxophone, boating, swimming, water skiing, snow skiing and making her favorite Hossier coffee cake. She earned her Water Safety Instructor (WSI) qualification in Whitehall, Michigan after noticing that the County Red Cross was seeking a summer instructor for children at numerous lakes. She got the job, at age 18. In 1954 she was named Queen of the Manistee National Forest Festival. As a graduating high school senior she received the outstanding girl award for leadership, scholarship and athletics given by the Manistee University of Michigan Club with her name engraved on the permanent University of Michigan plaque displayed at the Manistee High School.

For many years after retirement, Mary Lynn and Ron spent considerable time in Jupiter Florida with family enjoying the warm climate and related activities. Activities included her annual volunteering for the PGA Honda Classic as Captain of the Hole 4 Marshalls.

Most of all she loved her family, including Sugar, a golden retriever. When Sugar had 3 litters (29 pups) over several years Mary Lynn was midwife and caretaker with her children as they explored our beach on West Bay.

Mary Lynn is survived by her beloved husband Ron of 68 wonderful years, her sons, Daniel (Ellen) Sondee and Stephen Sondee; and her cherished grandchildren, Julia and Luke, her sister-in-law Judy McCorkle, sister-in-law Carolyn Wadman and so many wonderful past students and friends.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Laura, who passed away in 2006, her son David who passed away in February of 2026 and her brother Charles McCorkle.

A Memorial Service honoring Mary Lynn’s life will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Mission Hill Church on the Peninsula with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. and light lunch served afterwards. Mary Lynn will be laid to rest in the Garden of Remembrance in the Church Gardens. Memorial contributions may be directed to The Mission Hill Church of Traverse City or Interlochen Center for the Arts.