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Jill Stephanie Sousa

Jill Sousa Obituary

JILL STEPHANIE SOUSA DEC 13, 1946 - DEC 25, 2010 Jill Stephanie Sousa was born on Dec. 13, 1946 to proud parents, Bill and Kathleen Sousa. On the afternoon of Dec. 25, 2010 our beloved Jill passed away at Doctors Hospital in Modesto, CA. At her bedside in her final hours were her husband Steven Fotheringham, her daughter Alice Sousa-Fotheringham, her sister Jeanie Ogle and other family. Jill had become increasingly ill over the last 8 months, was diagnosed with cancer on Nov. 20 and succumbed to complications arising from it. Throughout her struggle Jill maintained her grace and dignity and battled courageously. Jill knew no stranger and took others' concerns as her own. Even when unable to physically help she repeatedly expressed her desire to do so. Jill was an elementary school teacher for 32 years, primarily at Robertson Road and Rose Avenue schools. Her passion for her students and their needs was unbounded. She took great pride in her teaching of reading and lifting the skills of lower performing students. She retired in June of 2008. Jill generously gave of her time and resources to many people, charitable organizations and her church. Jill was a member and on the board of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Stanislaus County, a member of the League of Women Voters and other groups. Jill loved traveling in the US, Mexico and Europe, her book group, the opera, symphony, the Giants and her many, many friends. She was delighted to be a mother, grandmother and sister. Among her yearly highlights were an annual trip to Twain Harte lake with the grandkids and being with her brother, sister and friends during the holidays. The greatest joy in her life was the adoption and raising of her daughter. She is survived by her husband Steven, daughters Alice, Brooke Lile, son Jeffrey Fotheringham, grandchildren Abel Lile, Emma Fotheringham Ryan Fotheringham, Seth Lile, Kaella Lile, Amber Fotheringham, Amethyst Fotheringham, and Jeffrey Fotheringham Jr., her brother and sister-in-law Lynn and Bea Sousa, her sister Jeanie Ogle, her husband's family and many aunts, cousins, nephew and nieces. Jill loved and will be loved and missed by all. A future service will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at 2172 Kiernan Ave., Modesto. www.modbee.com/obituaries

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Published by Modesto Bee from Dec. 30, 2010 to Jan. 2, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Jill Sousa

25 Entries

John Pasko

January 18, 2011

We are so very sorry for your loss. Jill was a unique and generous soul. She was the first teacher my son Jakob had after our move back to Modesto. She was everything a teacher should be and so much more. She was exceptionally kind and sensitive and we are fortunate and blessed to have known her. -- The Pasko Family

Sam Azevedo

January 15, 2011

God Bless you. I am Alice and Steve's neighbor and I am sad to hear that Jill has left us. She was a wonderful lady. She always told me to give her love to my mom. I hope god heals you during this difficult time.

Deborah Weiss

January 14, 2011

Im so sorry to learn of Jill passing. Jill will be missed so much. She was my sons first grade teacher she was a very special lady. Everytime I saw Jill she always had a smile and kind word. Ive been blessed to have known her.

Jeanne Pollard

January 10, 2011

I am sorry for your loss, Alice and Steve. I have such fond memories of Jill at Open Plan activities, always with a smile and a kind word. I have been blessed to have known her.
Love,
Jeanne Pollard

January 9, 2011

I am very sorry to learn of Jill's passing. Jill will be missed by everyone whose life she touched. She had a special gift of bringing out the best in everyone. She's singing with the angels now and forevermore... Marsha Silveira

January 9, 2011

Jan 9, 2011 I knew Jill in yoga and Masterworks. She was always friendly and ready to connect with others. My thoughts are with her family that they may find peace in their memories. Patricia Hambric

Pati Smith

January 4, 2011

Jill was a beautiful lady, both inside, and out. I'll never forget her kind heart or cheerful spirit. I'm so glad we got to spend time at Camp Serenity together and I'll treasure all the happy holiday memories I have of her. She will be greatly missed in this family.

Colleen (Pierce) Mode

January 4, 2011

I was so sorry to hear of Jill's passing. I have fond memories of her in 4-H, grammer school and graduating from Hilmar High School with her. I was very glad to see her at our high school reunion in 2009. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. We have lost a good and caring person.

Roberta Kemp

January 2, 2011

Jan. 2, 2011
I think of our beautiful Jill and I can't help smilling at the memories of our full-family gatherings so many times in "olden" times. She had a sweet voice, and shared her mom's love of music--opera, symphony, Gilbert and Sullivan,and they had lots of fun records, which were often in the background, when we were there. She grew into a lovely, wise woman, with empathy for all, and she'll be missed by all of us. With all my love to dear Steve and darling Alice.

Roberta Kemp

January 2, 2011

Jan. 2, 2011
I think of our beautiful Jill and I can't help smilling at the memories of our full-family gatherings so many times in "olden" times. She had a sweet voice, and shared her mom's love of music--opera, symphony, Gilbert and Sullivan, they had lots of fun records, which were often in the background, when we were there. She grew into a lovely, wise woman, with empathy for all, and she'll be missed by every one of us. With all my love to dear Steve and darling Alice.

Roberta Kemp

January 2, 2011

Jan. 2, 2011
I think of our beautiful Jill and I can't help smilling at the memories of our full-family gatherings so many times in "olden" times. She had a sweet voice, and shared her mom's love of music--opera, symphony, Gilbert and Sullivan,and they had lots of fun records, which were often in the background, when we were there. She grew into a lovely, wise woman, with empathy for all, and she'll be missed by every one of us. With all my love to dear Steve and darling Alice.

Doretta Williams

January 1, 2011

I was very saddened to hear of Jill's passing. We are first cousins and spent a lot of time together as children. It has been several years since I have had contact with her. Please know how very sorry I am and wish I could have had the opportunity to get reaquainted. God bless your family during this time of loss.

Mike, Amy, Katie, Rachel,and Megan Wade

January 1, 2011

Dear Steven and Alice,

We give our condolences to you. We are so very saddened to hear of your loss. Jill was such a very special person. No matter who you were, what the occasion or when it occurred, Jill always made you feel welcome and exhibited a genuine interest in your life and family. Growing up Rachel spent many a weekend at your home . She loved every minute there and could not wait to come again. You were so special to her and were a big part of her life. We were blessed to have known Jill . May all the beautiful memories she had created for your family comfort you at this time. We send our love,

Rachel Wade

January 1, 2011

So many wonderful memories at the Sousa house. Jill was like a second mother to me in elementary school- always allowing Alice and I to take over the living room, the kitchen, or even the whole house and be creative. She was such a delightful lady to be around, and I am so sad to hear that she has passed away. My love, thoughts, and prayers are with you Steven, Alice, & family.

The Azevedo family

January 1, 2011

So sorry to hear about Jill's passing. She was a wonderful teacher to my son at Rose Avenue school and he adored her. My prayers are with the family and many friends of Jill

Michelle Kemp

January 1, 2011

My condolences and love to Steven and Alice. I am grateful for Jills' support and encouragement. As a younger cousin, Jill and I cultivated a more "adult" relationship in the last ten years or so. I appreciate her kindness and thoughtfulnes she offered to me. I am sorry I did not fullfil my desire to spend a weekend at her home as she invited me to do so. I will remember to not procrastinate now. Thank you Jill for your love and support in celebrating my family's milestones and for your friendship. I will miss the singing that I grew up listening to-my mom and her sisters and Jill and Jeanie. I don't often get to hear this anymore and think of them often. Steven and Alice, may peace be with you always.

Bev Lehfeldt-Halliday

January 1, 2011

It was a shock to learn of Jill's death. I have known Jill for close to 50 years as the sister of my brother-in-law. We have many memories of Jill and the rest of the Sousa family at combined gatherings when Bea and Lynn came west to visit. May you gain comfort from the fact that so many people are remembering you and the rest of your family at this difficult time.

Rene Kantack

January 1, 2011

My condolences to cousin Steven & family. Sorry to hear about your loss.

Barb Engvall

December 31, 2010

I was saddened to learn of Jill's unexpected death...I've known Jill as part of the extended family for nearly 50 years and have many fond memories of gatherings with the Sousa clan...may you find peace and comfort in the weeks and months to come.

December 31, 2010

I am very sorry to hear of Jill's passing. I attended Hilmar High School with Jill for four years. I remember her fondly as a gracious and caring person. My prayers are with her family and all those that loved her at this very difficult time.

Phyllis (Souza) Cretsinger

Selma (Hagar) Edens Salles

December 31, 2010

To the Fotheringham and Sousa Family:
I'm so sorry to read of Jill's passing and your loss. I, too, went to school with Jill and I remember her as a wonderful young woman. May God bless and comfort you through this sad time.

Monica H.

December 31, 2010

I'm sad to see Jill has left us. Jill was my fourth grade teacher at Robertson Road Elementary. I'm 24 years old now and can still remember her class so clearly! She was a fun and caring teacher who i was lucky to have had. I'll always have those memories!My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.

Lynn Bondy-Villa

December 30, 2010

We were saddened to hear of Jill's passing. She was our daughter's first grade teacher at Rose Avenue school. Not only did my child flourish in her class but I had the honor of getting to know her as she let us volunteer in her classroom. She was a kind and gentle person that never raised her voice to her students and reminded them that they all were important in their own way.

Robert Plencner

December 30, 2010

Jill was a beloved friend and co-worker while we shared time together at Rose Avenue School. Her kindness and willingness to share time and knowledge of life will be with me always. I will miss your sense of humor, your strong sense of caring and belief in all aspects of life, and her desires to live life to its fullest and sharing her grace and peace with me. I will miss you my friend! I will never forget our time and memories together. You shall be treasured in my heart forever. May the peace of the Lord carry you into the highest heaven.

Sam & Barbara (Potts) Shaw

December 30, 2010

Our sincere condolences to Jill's family. We were so sorry to learn this morning of Jill's passing. I attended Hilmar High with Jill.

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