Sondra Lee DeFreese

Sondra Lee DeFreese was born in Elyria, Ohio on June 5, 1937 to Richard Kunzi and Evelyn Mae Kunzi (Smith). She passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2026 in North Charleston, SC. She was the eldest of 4 children in her family. After graduating from Palatka High School in Palatka, Florida, she married the love of her life, William C. DeFreese. They were married for 50 wonderful years. She was proud to be the wife of a military officer and felt fortunate to be able to travel the world. While living in the Philippines, she served as a Red Cross volunteer. She enjoyed working in the banking industry over several years. She loved gardening and interior design, and she was an avid Atlanta Braves’ fan for over four decades. Her favorite place to be was at the beach. Sondra felt blessed to find a spiritual family at Peace Presbyterian Church in Goose Creek, SC after becoming a widow. She served as an elder on session and was very devoted to Little Pantry, a mission through Peace dedicated to feeding hungry school children. She felt her Christian faith blossom and grow while at Peace Presbyterian and was forever grateful for finding such a wonderful church. Sondra’s greatest joy was her family. She was proud of and delighted in the accomplishments of her children, grandchildren, their spouses, and her great-grandchildren. They all felt her unconditional love, strength and support. She led by example and for one of her grandchildren, David, she was also a mother who helped to raise and guide him. Sondra is survived by her loving family, her son Dan DeFreese (Pat), daughter Susan Poulin (Steve), grandchildren David DeFreese (Matelon), Lesley Smith (Axton Crolley), Jay Smith (Caroline) and Daniel DeFreese as well as great-grandchildren, Hayley, Simeon, Rosalind and Edmund. She is also survived by her loving siblings, brothers John Harris, (Bette), David Harris (Patti), and sister Gretchen Bryant (John), sister-in- law Patricia Grooms and brother-in-law Donald DeFreese (Charlotte) and nieces and nephews. “Yet, I am always with You. You hold on to my right hand. With Your advice You guide me, and in the end You will take me to glory.” Psalm 73:23-24 A gathering of family and friends will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, from 10:30am to 11:00am at Peace Presbyterian Church, 174 Londonderry Road, Goose Creek, SC 29445. The Celebration of Life Service will begin at 11:00am in the Church. Burial will immediately follow at Dorchester Memory Gardens, 11000 Dorchester Road, Summerville, SC 29485.

Sondra Lee DeFreese

June 5, 1937 - February 28, 2026