Oakdale - On Jan. 11, 2025, we lost a kind gentle soul in Heather Jean Soderberg-Gerl who passed away surrounded by her family from complications of kidney disease. She will be missed by anyone who ever crossed her path, saw her beautiful smile, or heard her infectious laugh. Heather was born in Norwich, Sept. 26, 1975, to Mark Soderberg and Lois Hopkins. When Heather was five, her mom married Matthew Schroeder. It was at this point, Heather met Matt's Mom Grandma June RN. It wasn't long after hearing stories of helping others that Heather started her journey towards nursing.

Heather grew up in the quiet corner where she excelled in school, played basketball, and taught Sunday school at Preston City Congregational Church. While studying at UConn for her BSN, Heather met her future husband Michael Gerl and the next 28 years flew by. Heather and Michael traveled the East Coast chasing striped bass, red drum and beading stores in their little camper with their dogs in the back seat of the truck. Heather's best catch was a 42-lb. striped bass, while Michael's was Heather.

Heather's career spanned over two decades across four medical institutions. She met a host of wonderful people and none more special than those in her final stop at William W. Backus pre-admission testing.

Of all the photos taken of Heather over the years, there were only three of her that didn't have a dog in it. Heather's love of animals meant she never took a walk without stopping to say hello to every dog along the way; hence she never made it very far. An evening never went by where there wasn't a dog in her lap while reading or watching tv.

She now joins her grandparents, Phil and Clara Hopkins, Carl Soderberg, Jack and June Schroeder; and her brother Matty Schroeder; and her dogs, Bodie, Chula, Sonny, Diesel, Rosie and Schultzy, who all predeceased her. I'm sure there was a hell of a party, with ice cream and pup cups all around. She leaves behind her loving husband Michael Gerl; her parents, Matthew and Lois Schroeder, her father-in-law Jacques Adcock; her grandmother Glenna Soderberg; her father Mark Soderberg; sister and brother-in-law Hillary and Chiparoony Rourke; her brother William Soderberg; and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Feb. 15, at Preston City Congregational Church, 321 Route 164, in Preston. Refreshments will be served at the church following the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Kidney Fund. https://give.kidneyfund.org/page/71744/donate

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Jan. 26, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Heather Soderberg-Gerl

Sponsored by Mystic Funeral Home.

12 Entries

Jean craig

February 13, 2025

My dear, sweet, thoughtful, giving and I could go on.your godmother will miss you so deeply! Always

Kathy

February 8, 2025

I worked with Heather many times at Backus. She was a kind and gentle soul. It was always a pleasure to see her. I am so sorry for your loss.

Kathryn

February 6, 2025

I remember Heather from family reunions at our grandparents home(Soderberg) in Jewett City, CT. Such a sweet girl. Rest in peace Heather and my deepest condolences to your family.

Wendy Pulaski

January 27, 2025

Heather was a preceptor when I worked in the GI unit at Backus, she was always kind, very knowledgeable and overall a wonderful person I was sorry to hear of her passing

Cathy Fleming

January 26, 2025

I know Heather from Mike and Heather coming to my home to pick out a puppy and she fell in love with my Willow. She was a great person all the smiles so sorry Mike for your loss

Angela Renzullo

January 26, 2025

To Heather's husband and family, I am so sad to hear of your loss. Heather was so full of love and passion,her eyes would light up when she spoke of you all and your many adventures. Heather was truly a genuine, sincere and caring woman. When speaking with Heather you knew that she was listening with her whole heart and soul. We worked at Backus together, but first and foremost she was my friend.
Thank you Heather and may you rest in peace. Your one of my Angels! I will never forget.

Joan Gardner

January 26, 2025

So very sorry to hear of Heather´s passing. I will always remember Heather for her willingness to help other students in our fourth grade class at Voluntown Elementary School. I was so proud to hear that she was a nurse - again helping others. Her smile and her eyes tell the story of a beautiful soul. Heather always had a kind word to offer. She will be missed, but not forgotten.

Tiffany Ownbey

January 26, 2025

Heather was my best friend during our high school and college days. I am so thankful for all of the wonderful memories we shared in school, out with friends, our Myrtle Beach and family gatherings. Heather always made me laugh whenever we were together. My heart is broken. I am truly praying for all of you. Heather was a beautiful lady inside and out. I hope all of your wonderful memories with Heather give you some comfort and peace during this difficult time. Sending my love and prayers to who entire family. I love you all so much.

Paul and Kathleen Bonin

January 26, 2025

Mike, our deepest sympathies. We are taken back at your loss.

Susannah Angelopoulos

January 26, 2025

Oh Michael I´m so sorry. I had the pleasure of knowing Heather from work. She was such a kind and good person. She always spoke about how much she loved you, Hillary, and her mom and dad as well as her puppers. I´m so sorry this announcement makes my heart hurt. Thinking of you and your family! Susannah

Alison Taylor

January 26, 2025

I am so deeply saddened to hear of Heather's passing. I worked with Heather at Backus on E3 and our paths kept crossing over the years as we moved to different departments. Heather was actually my nurse once and I was so relieved it was her in the procedure room with me. Heather was such a caring and sweet person and will be greatly missed.

Leslie Pustilnik

January 26, 2025

Michael, I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful wife. My heart goes out to you and your family. May your memories be a blessing to you in this difficult time. With Love, Leslie Pustilnik

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