Lucretia (DeFeudis) Soderlund, 95, passed away on October 26th 2012, at Christopher House. She was surrounded by her family who sang her favorite hymns and songs until she reached heaven’s gate.
     Born on January 22, 1917, in Worcester, MA, she was the daughter of the late Francesco and Guilia (Avelino) DeFeudis. She graduated from Commerce High School in 1935 and attended New England School of Accounting. She is predeceased by her husband of 53 years, Arthur A. Soderlund. She is also predeceased by 4 sisters, Josephine Cragan, Ann Nichols, Bertha DeFeudis, and Grace Kaestner-Corio, and three brothers, Robert, Thomas and Domenic DeFeudis.
     Lucretia was the Supervisor of The Bureau of Records and Firearms Departments of the Worcester Police Department for 27 years before retiring in 1972.
     Her love for singing brought her great joy throughout her life. She sang in church choirs, social functions and loved singing with her daughters well into her 95th year. Lucretia was a long-time member of The First Baptist Church of Worcester and was active in her church throughout her life.
     She loved traveling throughout the United States, Europe, South Africa, Scandinavia, Hong Kong, and the Caribbean. Lucretia also enjoyed participating in functions within The Isaiah Thomas Lodge of Masons, The Alethea Groto and The Shriners organizations with her husband.
A devoted grandmother and great grandmother, she loved caring for the little ones and being a supportive presence in their lives.
     Lucretia was a kind and loving soul who passed on her knowledge of healthy eating and living tips to all who would listen.
     She leaves behind three daughters, Joy Anderson and her husband Robert of Whitinsville; Ruth Lundstrom and her husband Donald of Worcester; Starr Oberg and her husband Kenneth of Bluffton, SC. She also leaves six grandchildren and ten great grandchildren: Susan Scricco, husband John and children Arianna, Marissa, and Isabella of Shrewsbury; Erika Damico, and husband Jay of Whitinsville; Mark Lundstrom of Oxford; Amy Scott, husband Ronald and children Jack, Benjamin, and Samuel of Charlton; Jeffrey Oberg, wife Rhiannon and children Josiah, and Jaidan, of North Grafton; Karen Yochim, husband Todd and children Allison and Troy of Gainesville, FL.
     Lucretia went peacefully to be with her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. She lived a life wrapped in the love of Jesus and shared her ministry through song and acts of tender loving care. Her family cherishes the memories of her faithful love and the Christian faith she passed on to us.
     She believed that at death the physical body returns to dust and the soul of a believer is welcomed into heaven.
     John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him shoud not perish but have eternal life.
     Private funeral services will be directed by Caswell-King Funeral Home at the convenience of the family. Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church, 111 Park Ave. 01609.