Celebration of Life
Ted’s obituary, followed by select comments from the website
Ted Colton Soens, 88, of Pittsburgh, PA passed away at his home on Thursday, May 28, 2020 due to cancer. He was born Sept. 28, 1931 to Lois (Colton) and Edward Soens in San Francisco, CA and spent most of his life in Morningside (Pittsburgh neighborhood), living in his childhood home.
He is survived by his adored wife of 67 years, Elaine (Ebright) Soens, his children Ted, Kathleen and David, grandchildren, one great grandson and other family members living throughout the U.S.
Enjoying life on one of many hiking trips.
A graduate of Peabody High School, Ted earned degrees from Penn State and the University of Pittsburgh, culminating in a Doctorate from Carnegie Mellon University. He spent his career as a history teacher at Knoxville public schools (Pittsburgh) and Gladstone High School, then as an administrator for the Pittsburgh Public School system. After college, he served in the Army as a paratrooper stationed in Ft. Campbell, KY. In retirement, he traveled and hiked widely, volunteered for Pittsburgh's history center and Children's Museum, protected turtle eggs in Mexico, and conducted downtown history tours for a trolley company. An avid ceramist, his yard was filled with his creations and widely shared with neighbors and family. Ted penned short stories and kept multiple scrapbooks documenting history — and his thoughts — as it unfolded.
We love you, Dad, and treasure the example you gave us as a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.
A memorial celebration will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the DNC to support getting Trump out of office. And make sure you vote. Condolences may be shared at www.weddellajak.com
Deana Jirak (friend Ivan’s daughter)
Ted & Elaine Soens were figures of my childhood and such dear friends to my late parents, Ivan and Debbie Jirak. We had such memories of seeing the world and also quality time in Pittsburgh. I am very grateful I was able to visit them at their home a few years ago on a visit to Pittsburgh. I got worried when I couldn't get through on the phone a few months back and didn't hear back, then tonight I came across a note from them from a few years ago. There's something that touches the heart when you read a note and can hear it being read to you in their voice, a voice you hadn't heard in so long. When I picked up the piece of paper and saw it was addressed "Hello young lady," I knew exactly who it was from... It was a sweet note and a reminder I needed right in this moment going through a difficult time of exactly who I am and where I came from. Anyway, I decided it was time to face Google to see if something happened and came across both of their obituaries... I sit here with tears in my eyes grateful they were in my life and sending condolences to all of you.
I also am deeply, profoundly moved on multiple levels by both of their wishes to support the DNC and have made a donation in response (although unfortunately there was no option to have it be in memory of them.)
Angela Felix (ex-neighbor)
Ted and Elaine were our El Paso Street neighbors for 25 years before we sold our corner house and moved to Ohio. Genuinely wonderful people who would always stop and take the time to talk with us when walking their dog. Always encouraging our two daughters, Heather and Ashley, to pursue their educational dreams. We loved attending their annual block parties. May they both rest in peace. — Neville and Angela Felix
Brigitte Riello (Palffy) - student
What an amazing man and teacher. I never loved history, then I was in Mr. Soens’ class and found it to be the most amazing class ever. Twist of fate that I married a man who majored in history. Mr. Soens was a true inspiration to so many of us at Gladstone High School. He had a no nonsense approach yet always had a smile and inspired us all. I am from the class of 1966. My former classmates used to talk about this class all the time. Rest in peace Mr. Soens and know that you made a difference in our lives.
Matt Colton (cousin)
Ted was such an interesting and accomplished person. Degrees from PSU, Pitt and CMU. A Military Officer and Paratrooper in the prestigious 101st Airborne Division. He was a lifelong learner who had a myriad of interests. Yet most importantly he was a great role model for his students and family. He will be greatly missed.
Ron Rupp (cousin)
Growing up next door to Ted was like having an older brother. As his younger cousin, I was always amazed at his accomplishments in life, and yet when you talked with him it was never about him but always about you. The best listener I every knew and yet his finest quality was that he was truly a good man. I will miss you CUZ!
Jackie Williams (student)
I transferred to Gladstone from Elizabeth Seton all girl’s school mid year. Mr. Soens was the teacher who made this girl comfortable in a crazy situation. I loved him for that and his marvelous ability to engage the teenage mind. He was a prince. I met him again at Knoxville Middle School where he was Dean and I was a teacher aide. He supervised me directly and gave me high risk students to work with in small groups. And he said things that showed that our respect had come full circle. I was blessed to know TC. I’m so glad he had a good life. We will work to defeat the current POTUS , Mr. Soens. It will be an honor. So was knowing you.
Dan Rupp (cousin)
My grandmother Leah and Ted’s mother Lois were sisters. In the fall of 1990 I started graduate school in Pittsburgh and lived next door to Ted at my Grandma’s house on El Paso street. On my first night I remember Ted and Elaine inviting me over to their house to watch a movie. The movie was “Born on the Fourth of July” – a bit depressing - but nonetheless it led to great conversation. In fact I don’t ever remember having a bad conversation with Ted. He always had something interesting to say.
Once school started he always wanted to know about the classes I was taking. I remember having a quantitative analysis professor that loved challenging his students with complex puzzles. Ted would always want a copy. He would disappear for a day or two and then reappear once he had figured it out. He was always up for an intellectual challenge.
On nice days we would pull the ping pong table out into the shared driveway and battle for hours. He was 4 years older than I am now and I still can’t get over his reflexes and hand-eye coordination.
The best times, however, were when Aunt Lois (Ted’s mother) showed up. She had you laughing the moment she arrived. I never forget she once told me, “It’s a shame that a woman starts losing her figure once she turns 80”. Ted was off to the side just shaking his head.
I’m going to miss you.
George Colton Rossman (grandson)
My grandfather Ted (or Papa as I called him) had a huge collection of models of planes, tanks, and soldiers from all over the world. Some of my earliest memories were of me asking a plethora of questions about them and him answering them effortlessly. He imparted to me a love history and the world. He was a voracious reader. From his recommendations I have encountered many of my favorite books and series. I struggle to come up with the words to properly convey just how much my love and admiration for him has shaped my own life and morals. He will forever tower over my life and actions, and I am proud and humbled to have known him. RIP and I hope he and I may meet again.
Robert Jenkins (student)
I was a student of T.C.'s I attended Central Catholic for three years in high school and went to Gladstone for my senior year. He is without a doubt the best teacher I ever had. He planted a seed in me to want to learn History. I still have to want to learn more and I am 70 years old now. He inspired and affected a lot of lives. I just want to say Thank You T.C. My condolences to the family.
Ken Soens (cousin)
We used to just call him Uncle Ted. He is a second cousin to my father**. I remember visiting him back in the early 70's and fell in love with his Volkswagen busses he used to own. You just fell in love with the man from the minute you met him. He was very kind and extremely knowledgeable and an engaging storyteller. The last time I saw Uncle Ted was around 2008 when I was on a business trip in the Pittsburgh area. I called and made arrangements to visit with him and Elaine. Being from Chicago I was not familiar with the area, so I called him for directions and he was able to guide me through the meticulous bridge system in the downtown Pittsburgh area. I also recall as a kid driving up a huge Hill to get to his home in Morningside and the sounds and smell of the Pittsburgh zoo near his home. I was just fascinated with everything he had accomplished and at that time I believe he was a tour guide for the trolley system. They just don't make them like him any longer. He was a great example of a kind, gentle and caring human being. I only wish my children got to know him. It is a great loss. R.I.P. Uncle Ted.
Cynthia Davies (cousin)
Actually Uncle Ted was a first cousin to our dad**. Their fathers were brothers. He was a second cousin to us. I had the pleasure I visiting Ted and Elaine in 2018 while my husband and I were in town for some Cubs-Pirates baseball games. We had a great afternoon chatting and got a tour of the amazing clay sculptures in and around their house. Just fun, delightful characters popping up all around the garden in back. I got to spend a week with Ted and Elaine back in 1980 while I attended a teacher’s workshop at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. We had a blast and got to see several iconic neighborhoods, art museums, places being newly renovated— as many older cities were just starting to rethink their downtown areas, rode the incline.. wonderful memories of a humorous, creative person. So glad he was a teacher— we desperately need more people like him.
Connie Portis (student)
Mr. Soens loved teaching! You could tell by the ways he found to engage his students. Long after high school I kept a subscription to Time Magazine a tradition that began in his class! When I had my business, Mr. Soens called me to tell me how proud he was when he read an article about me in the newspaper. That meant so much. To his family, thank you for sharing him for so many years! To me and many, he will always be Teacher of the Decades! May God bless and comfort you
Mary Ann Sekely (student)
I was kind of invisible thru school, part of the baby boom generation. We had enormous size classes. I'm an introvert and kind of liked being invisible. Then my Mother, an extrovert, decided to get her GED. So Mr. Soens was both my Mother's and my history teacher at the same time. I lost my invisibility.
He was a good story teller. You didn't want to miss his class. I think he saw most students and inspired them to both show up and do their best. To pass his class and move on, you had to write a research paper, learn all 50 states and their capitals and fill in a blank world map with 30 or so names of countries. I recall you could get only one or two wrong. You had the whole school year to complete the tasks. I took the test many times before I got them right.
I widened my world view geographically and in time because of Mr Soens. I discovered I could tolerate being visible. I am a better person because Mr Soens was my teacher.
Mary Brown (admirer)
I join my sentiments with all the students of Gladstone in remembering this great man. He was not one of my teachers but he was well acquainted with all of the Brown family, and very obviously admired, respected, and revered by many. I speak of him often and can still envision his smile, his "in charge" gait as he walked the halls of Gladstone Elementary, his star-quality look, and his personable but professional no-nonsense manner. Educators fashioned after the likes of Ted Soens today are far and few between. He left a lasting impression on each of us and we're better for having encountered him at Gladstone. He was indeed a treasure. Our hearts and prayers go out to his wife and family.
Inez Kazbeck (student)
T. C. Top Cat Soens was a teacher I can never forget. He gave me a love for history and self-worth as a Black female. R. W. G...Top Cat.
Debbie Jackson (student)
OMG Mr. Soens was my favorite. If you cut class, you definitely didn’t cut his class. I also thought he was the best looking teacher in Gladstone and I graduated in 1969. RWG Mr. Soens💕
Fern Rinsland Berry (student, friend)
Mr. Soens was my very favorite history teacher at Gladstone High School. I had him 9th-12th grade. He influenced my going to Penn State. I graduated from Gladstone in June 1961 and we kept in touch ever since then. I'm going to miss his notes/letters. My husband passed away in February 2020 and Mr. Soens would send me encouraging words. Never once did he mention how sick he was. I say farewell for now Mr. Soens. May the peace that passes all understanding be with you.
Kailyn Rossman (granddaughter)
I will always remember the trip I took with Papa to Mexico. We painted turtle tanks and weighed different types of turtles. Also we were there for my birthday and had a little birthday party for me. Papa always called me tortuga girl and Inuit princess. I remember going to Kennywood and when he paid the fare for the bungee ride! Growing up I always looked forward to seeing him and grandma whether it was over the summer or for the holidays! He will be greatly missed!
Zoe Soens Herbst de Cortina (granddaughter)
Papa Ted, I miss you, but I have so many wonderful memories! I'm incredibly thankful that we had the opportunity to introduce Papa to his great-grandson last year. My house has several of Papa's whimsical clay creations. With their exaggerated faces and fun colors, they're family favorites. Every time I see one, it brings me back to my childhood and summer vacations in Pittsburgh. Visiting Papa and Gramma was always a highlight. I loved playing croquet in the backyard, picking raspberries, practicing my clay sculpting, playing ping pong in the garage (Papa was a pro ping-ponger). He'd take us to the zoo and out on adventures. I remember our family reunions at Stone Harbor and all the fun times at the beach building sand castles, or playing card games and yahtzee. Papa brought so much joy into this world. He was a caring, calm, thoughtful, funny, cheeky man. I will always love him and miss him.
John Peters (neighbor)
Ted was a great neighbor and friend. He and Elaine were the heart of this neighborhood. I will miss him.
Maddie Rossman (granddaughter)
My grandfather Ted was such a loving person. It's been really hard losing him. I've been trying to focus on how dear he was to me instead of how strange it is to be without him. I loved talking about books with him and raiding his bookshelf every time I was in town. He had unusual recommendations, spanning from history to science fiction to fantasy. I also enjoyed talking to him about ideas. When I was in Pittsburgh for Thanksgiving, we spoke about grief - how it ebbs and flows and shapes. He told me he dreamt about his mother and also my father regularly, how they visited him in dreams. He wrote in journals almost every day - journals where he tracked his readings and his dreams and the news, and he kept track of every lie Trump said. Glancing through these was bittersweet and interesting, and sometimes his musings made me cry. He was also silly as hell. He was a master teaser and had such weird one-liners. Downstairs in the basement in their house, my grandfather had splashed in red paint near the garage door, "Maggie - she who must be obeyed," in reference to my grandmother, and that was him in a nutshell - silly and faux serious and grandiose and wonderful. RIP, grandpa. I'm so glad I knew you - Maddie Rossman.
Comments were collected from Weddell-Ajak Funeral Home.