Susanna Ignatia Mary Toal Sohmer

Susanna Ignatia Mary Toal Sohmer, of Conyers, passed away on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at the age of 97. She was preceded in death by her parents Veronica Stricker and Lawrence Toal, and siblings, Lawrence Toal, Jr., and Lionel Toal. She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Eric Sohmer, David Sohmer and June Sohmer Shephard, her grandchildren Lindsay Shephard, Stephen Shephard, Marcus Shephard, Caitlyn Sohmer, Derek Sohmer, and great-grandchildren Luca Mateo Asciutto and Olivia Madeline Asciutto, and her sister, Mercedes Toal Romano. In her younger years, Susanna pursued her love of the performing arts as a stage actress in Manhattan, a city she cherished throughout her life. She often said, " My heart will always belong to Manhattan." That is where she met her future husband, Daniel, and began the next chapter of her life. Together they welcomed three beautiful children-Eric, David and June. During the early years of their marriage, she found great joy in being a stay-at -home mother and devoted herself to raising her family. At the age of 35, she suffered a devastating automobile accident that resulted in significant brain injury and permanently changed the course of her life. Yet she refused to let that tragedy define her. Determined, as she would often say, to "get better", she rose each morning "with the birds" to faithfully perform her calisthenic exercises. Although she qualified for disability benefits, she chose instead to continue working to the best of her ability, a testament to her remarkable work ethic, resilience, and fierce independence. Susanna later returned to her hometown of New Orleans, where she found comfort in being close to her beloved sister, Mercedes, and her adoptive father, Vincent Polito. She went on to serve with the New Orleans Police Department, where she retired as a microfiche technician. Throughout her life, she demonstrated quiet courage and perseverance in the face of extraordinary challenges. Those who knew her will remember not only the obstacles she overcame, but also the grace, determination and dignity with which she lived. She loved her children fiercely, and her grandchildren treasured her wonderful sense of humor and the joy she brought to their lives. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but her strength, determination and enduring spirit will never be forgotten. Condolences may be submitted online at www.scotward.com. Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Rd., Conyers, GA, 770-483-7216.

Susanna Ignatia Mary Toal Sohmer

December 30, 1928 - July 4, 2026