Obituary of Arda Margaret Sundstrom

Arda McDougal Sundstrom 1926-2023 Arda was the real deal. She sang, she danced, worked on airplanes in WW II for the War effort and was an expert photo-finisher. Being a natural serial entrepreneur, she ran businesses, built businesses and worked at a radio station (KXBX). She traveled the world (5 continents) and was a loving wife to Vernon McDougal and John Sundstrom, both of whom predeceased her. She was a terrific mother, grandmother, great grandmother and aunt. Acting as a surrogate mother to many, Arda’s heart was as big as her years were long. She will be missed by many. Born in Pittsburgh, PA to Cornelius and Marie Banks, Arda is survived by her daughter Debbe (Mike) Blake, sons Lonne (Cecilia) McDougal and Mark McDougal. Grandsons Dan Wolfe, Harley (Dayna) McDougal, granddaughters Marina McDougal, Brandi (Chad) Parlee, Jennifer (Charles) Dougherty, step-daughters Tina Brennan and Mary (Walt) Southard. Great-granddaughters Haylee, Sarah and Faith Parlee, and Abigail Dougherty. Great-grandsons Jacob and Mason Elsa. Nephews Chuck (Claudia) Moseley and Darrell Banks. Close friends, Ginette McDougal, Pat Miles, Eve Perkins, Cynthia Ackerman, Richard Shaw, Kay Lytton, Wanda Roe and Ed Roark. She and her family moved to California when she was 6 where she attended Glendale, California schools. After working for years as a photo-finisher, Arda, Vernon and Debbe started 2 restaurants and a bar in Burbank not far from the studios. She and the family began vacationing in Lakeport in the late fifties until 1977 when they decided to take the plunge and purchase the Willo-Point Restaurant. Later, she and Debbe built the El Sombrero Restaurant on Main Street (now the Hong Kong) where she was in her element serving the community and making many friends along the way. Not being one to stay idle for long, after selling the restaurant she went to work at radio station KXBX as an executive assistant following which she started Present Time Party Supplies in Lakeport. Her love for music having never faded, she sang at multiple venues throughout Lake County and was the lead vocalist for Bank of Lake County Heritage Club Band as well as making guest appearances and yodeling with The Wayne Miller Band and with The High Notes. Arda sponsored a weekly line dance class and twice monthly member dance at the Lakeport Elks Lodge for 16 years until Covid struck. She was a 21-year member of Lakeport Elks Lodge #2704 where she was awarded Elk of the Year for 2003-2004, as well as a 16-year member of Lakeport Host Lions and NARFE. She line-danced well into her 90’s and just loved it when one of her sons, Debbe or the girls would take her out on the dance floor in her wheelchair swinging, swaying and singing to the music. Smiling, twirling and filled with joy. The family thanks Dr. Andrew Schwartz, Hospice, nurses, aides and volunteers for the loving and caring manner in which Arda’s needs were attended to in her last days. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, May 13 at 11:00 a.m., at Chapel of the Lakes Mortuary in Lakeport, officiated by the Officers of Lakeport Elks Lodge #2704. Donations can be made in Arda’s name to her favorite charity, CHEMPI “the Purple Pig”, c/o Lakeport Elks Lodge #2704 or to Hospice.