Turtledove
Mrs. Sundberg
Fictional Character
Days of Infamy
POD: March, 1941;
Relevant POD: December 7, 1941
Appearance(s): Both volumes
Type of Appearance: Direct
Nationality: United States
Date of Birth: Late 19th century
Occupation: Housewife
Spouse: Ralph Sundberg
Children: Elsie Sundberg

Mrs. Sundberg was the wife of wealthy American Ralph Sundberg, and the mother of Elsie Sundberg. Originally from Connecticut, she lived with her family in the American territory of Hawaii. The Sundbergs were trapped there when the Empire of Japan invaded and occupied the Islands in 1941-42.

Mrs. Sundberg permitted her daughter to date young Japanese-American Kenzo Takahashi, in part because Kenzo was the son of a fisherman, and the Sundbergs would have access to some meat. However, when Kenzo saved Elsie from three drunken Japanese soldiers, the Sundbergs were legitimately pleased with Elsie's choice of suitor.

When the United States arrived to retake Hawaii in 1943, the Sundbergs and Kenzo hid in a makeshift bombshelter Ralph had built in their basement. When they emerged, Kenzo was taken into custody, over the protestations of the Sundbergs.