Mary Lou Webster Addis Sorensen

Born on the farm in West Jersey, IL on March 25, 1927. Mary had two brothers, Harold and Wallace who are deceased. She also has a sister June Orwig that survives her. Mary also survived the tragic accidental death of her second son, Stephen and her first husband, Frank Addis who died in a weather-related plane crash. Dick Sorensen, her second husband years later developed a neurological condition. Mary took care of Dick for 12 years until he passed away from cancer.

Mary received a Bachelor's’ degree from Bradley University in Peoria, IL and received a teaching credential from California. She was very involved in education as a teacher and a reading specialist both in LaGrange, IL, Oglesby, IL and Orange, CA for many years. Kids loved to be in one of Mary’s classes as she had the ability to make learning fun.

Growing up on the farm during the depression and all the sacrifices of WWII, Mary developed a strong sense of common sense and patriotism. She instilled those values in her children and grandchildren. Mary was always the life of the party. She loved sports cars. One of her favorite things was to tool around town in her Datsun 240Z and 260Z’s with the sunroof open, enjoying the California sunshine. She had many other interests; playing bridge, painting, a love of music and dancing, reading, cooking and traveling. She especially enjoyed giving her family so much love and watching them grow into successful adults.

Mary, the beloved matriarch of her family, is survived by a son, Frank Addis, a daughter, Sharon Barth, four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren with another due in November.

Mary’s memory will remain in the hearts of her family, friends and all those who were honored to have had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy will live on for generations to come.

Services will be held at Westminster Memorial Park in Westminster, CA on August 11, 2024 at 9:30 AM. Interment will be at gravesite after the memorial service and she will be laid next to her first husband and second son’s gravesites.

Several family members and friends of Mary have endured Lyme. So in lieu of flowers, the family requests online donations to LymeDisease.Org in Mary Sorensen’s name.