Sondra Yates Statzer, 82, passed away in the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, October 17, 2024. She was the Director of the School of Nursing at Louise Obici Nursing School.
Her legacy of hard work, love, and compassion will follow her and live on in the lives of those who were blessed to know her and those close to her. Sondra’s compassion and love allowed her to care for her grandparents and mother in their last days.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Monroe Yates and Gaynell Ferguson, and her sister-in-law Cathy Yates. Sondra is survived by her brother, Dennis Yates, and step-brothers, Eddie Ferguson and Clyde Ferguson, Jr., and a host of nieces and nephews.
She will surely be missed by everyone who knew her.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Peninsula Funeral Home. A graveside will be held on Thursday, October 24, at 1:00 p.m. at Peninsula Memorial Park.
28 Comments
Condolences to the family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Ms. Statzer was the ultimate role model and leader-I had the utmost respect for her kindness and professionalism during and beyond my time at Louise Obici School of Professional Nursing. She influenced the lives of many and will be missed.
My condolences to all the family and friends of Ms. Statzer. She definitely was a great instructor and person..
Ms. Statzer was the living model of a nurse and leader with the highest standards. Yet, she was always kind, generous, and supportive, helping you to be the best you could be as a nurse and as a person. As we aged and matured after graduation, Sonie opened the door to friendship. We all love her dearly.
Ms. Statzer was a wonderful teacher and role model. She helped to make us all good, caring nurses. She was at the 1972 class reunion and it was so good to see her. I’m so sorry for her families loss. I hope her puppy finds a good home.
I so sorry to hear this. Son is meant so very much to so many. Prayers for the family.
I am heart broken that one so loved through the years, inspired so many Obici Nurses has passed She is and will be missed.
I am so sorry to hear this…my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Miss Statzer was one of the first role models I had in nursing. I will always be grateful for the solid foundation she helped build, not just for me, but for many nursing careers.
Our hearts are broken. We loved her deeply… along with her faithful four legged babies. She was full of wisdom, and grace, and spunk. We are so thankful that the Lord allowed us to have such a friend.
Sonie was my first and best professional mentor as a new nurse educator. She exemplified professionalism with care and compassion. I considered her a dear friend that I will always cherish. Above all Sonie loved her family and her Lord. I remain honored that our lives crossed. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Ms. Statzer was a beautiful person loved by all her students at Obici. She was a great influence on my life as my instructor. The world was a better place because of her and she will be missed. My condolences to her family. May God provide comfort to you all.
We will never actually know Ms. Statzer’s full impact on this world. She was full of integrity and compassion as an educator that she instilled in so many others that are still nursing today. She will truly be missed. A nursing icon…rest in peace.
My thoughts and prayers for the family. This woman was someone we aspired to be. She was a leader, a mentor, and our overseer. She was truly beautiful inside and out!
I am very sorry to hear that Ms. Statzer has passed. What a wonder person and example for many young women becoming nurses. Prayers for her family. A life well lived.
So loved, adored and respected! How she lived her life tells it all! Gone to reap the Victory, but will live in many hearts on this earth forever!
Ms. Statzer was the epitome of a nurse to me and I was blessed to have her as my nursing instructor…her impact on my nursing career is something I will forever be thankful for. Blessings to her family and the many lives she touched.
Ms. Stater was well-liked and respected by the students even though at the time she wasn’t that much older than we were. Class of 1970.
Mrs Statzer was the such a role model to so many young nurses who entered the doors of LOSN. She was a wonderful educator and friend to us during those 3 years, but, oh the memories we all shared. Class of 1971❤️❤️
Sonnie Statzer was my first real hero. She had high expectations of us but she was always kind and encouraging.
She believed in us and helped us believe in ourselves. A bright light!
So sorry to learn of Sondra’s passing. She was a faithful volunteer with Riverside Hospice in the 1990’s. Such a kind and compassionate lady. Will never forget her.
Sonie was one of most bravest and courageous person We have known.I write for Class of 1963 LOSN.Sonie went on to receive her Bachelors degree in nursing from UVA and Masters degree in Guidedance and counseling from William & Mary.she had all love and compassion to serve others as you can see by all beautiful comments being made by others.we loved her dearly and so grateful we had privilege to have fellowship with her so many years. She fought a good fight through her illness
and know Lord said we’ll done, good and faithful servant as angels escorted her to heaven.
We will miss you dearly.
Sonnie was tall and carried herself in elegant fashion. She operated quietly and at times demonstrated a sideways look / smile that could bring students into line ! I think that sometimes she wanted to burst out laughing but her demeanor did not allow for that. What a wonderful lady and instructor and example she was. To God be the glory for a life well-lived, Ms. Statzer.
Sonie was a great nurse, educator, mentor, and the best Director of Nursing for LOSN! She loved her profession and it showed in so many ways. Sending prayers to her family.
When I went to work at Obici Hospital, Sonie was Director of the School of Nursing. We worked together on Committees and other programs, especially Planetree which is a patient-centered care model. When the hospital implemented Planetree, Sonie was appointed to lead the program and became the lead educator and trainer for all hospital employees. Through her efforts, she helped create a culture of quality and compassionate care across the hospital’s continuum of care offerings. It was a pleasure to work with her in several capacities; she always had a smile on her face and a positive approach to patient care, education and training. Deepest sympathies to her brother Dennis and other family members.
I was deeply saddened to hear of Ms. Statzer’s passing, and I wanted to extend my heartfelt condolences to your family. As one of her former students, I looked up to her immensely. She had such a profound impact on my life, both personally and professionally, and her wisdom, kindness, and guidance will always be cherished.
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. She touched the lives of so many, and her legacy will undoubtedly live on through all of us who had the privilege of learning from her.
Wishing you peace and strength in the days ahead.
I am so sorry to hear of Sonie’s passing. I had the privilege of serving with her during Communion at church on Sunday’s, she as an elder & I as a deacon for one year. I enjoyed the conversations we had before service, especially the ones involving our four legged companions. She will be sorely missed.
Ms. Statzer was the role model for many of us who attended LOSN. She was compassionate not only to patients but also to us students. She taught us to be the best nurses we could be. She will be missed by all whom lives she touched.
Sonie was a new instructor my freshman year and was always there with us and for us making everything a learning adventure. She help my husband, Mike, to adjust from being a Navy Corpsman to being a student nurse. Sonie saw our society changing and embraced having men at Obici. An angel now
Sonie was a Senior at LOSN when I was a Freshman, so I knew her as a student… a role model. And that she remained throughout her nursing career. The many comments from others are a reminder of how special Sonie was. My condolences to Sonie’s family and close friends.