Wilda Sundberg

Wilda Regelman Sundberg, age 90, of Millcreek, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at her home.
She was born in Erie on October 5, 1930, a daughter of the late Bernard Regelman and Mae Rilling Regelman.  Wilda graduated from Tech Memorial High School as an art student and one of very few women there at the time. She went on to attend the Albright Art School of the Buffalo Fine Arts Academy. A huge portion of Wilda’s life was dedicated to making, teaching and sharing the joy of the fine arts. Wilda taught watercolor classes at the Erie Art Museum for 50+ years. She took many of her classes to Presque Isle Peninsula to paint the beautiful local landscape. By the time she retired as a teacher, at the age of 87, she had taught children and adults of all ages. In the years that she taught she inspired, encouraged and made lasting friendships with many.  Having worked as a professional artist in Erie her whole life, her art is treasured and has been exhibited locally again and again. Even this past year, to honor her life-long contributions and to celebrate her 90th birthday, the Erie Art Museum had an exhibit of her works. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally. Another contribution Wilda made, alongside her husband Carl who was also a well-known artist, was being a founding member of the Northwest Pennsylvania Artist Association. The NPAA helped elevate the respect for the professional artists within the community and continues to support local artists today.  One of Wilda’s other passions was playing cards. Her favorite game was Bridge which she played at several Bridge clubs. She won way more times than she lost. And though her family couldn’t keep up with her when it came to Bridge, she played many card games with each one of them. Everyone had great fun, but no one won against her very often and that was true up until the day she quit playing, which was only a few weeks ago.  Like with her card playing, Wilda loved a fun challenge. She was dedicated to her daily crossword puzzles, was excellent at them and could always be found with a dictionary at her side. Wilda’s love of puzzles and games led her to pick up a few new hobbies around the age of 50. Wilda started enjoying the game of golf with her golf enthusiast husband, Carl, and the two joined a local league. She also joined a bowling league at the Erie Maennerchor Club where she was a member.  Wilda was also a longtime member of Luther Memorial Church. She loved the church, worship, and the music. In her earlier years, she sang in the Erie Philharmonic Chorus and the church choir at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church.  Wilda was loved by many. She was known as Wife, Sister, Mom, Grandma Wilda, MeMa, Grandmama. She was a friend to many and an artist always. Her family and friends will miss her welcoming hugs and home, playing cards and board games, painting lessons, silly things like watching Price is Right or playing Dr. Mario with her, sleepovers at her house, her thoughtful birthday and holiday cards, adventurous picnics or just eating together on the back patio. Most of all she will be missed for the way she loved those close to her unconditionally.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Gustave Sundberg; a grandson, Jack Sundberg.  She is survived by her brother Louis Regelman; a son, Craig Sundberg and his partner Susan Rote; a daughter, Sallee Rabenold and her husband Gregg all of Erie; eight grandchildren, Christian Sundberg and his wife Angelle, Lauree Schloss and her husband Mike, Robynn, Stone, Griffin and Roslynn Sundberg all of Erie, and Garrett Rabenold and his partner Jared Borders of Columbus, OH, Renee Gottschalk and her husband Stephen of Pittsburgh, PA; and six great grandchildren, Isaac and Eliza Sundberg, Victor, Alexander and Evelyn Schloss, and Levi Gottschalk.  Friends may call at the Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services, Inc. 3801 W. 26th Street (at Powell Ave) on Thursday, September 16, 2021 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. and are invited to attend a service at Luther Memorial Church 225 W. 10th Street, Erie, PA 16501 on Friday at 10:00 a.m. Burial to follow in Laurel Hill Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to Luther Memorial Church, Erie Art Museum or to Make a Wish Foundation.  Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com