Sandra Ann Olzewski, age 78, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Monday, September 26, 2016.

Born in Chicago, Illinois on April 17, 1938, she was the youngest child of ten of the late John and Carrie (Mieloszyk) Wolak.

Sandra attended St. Michael’s Elementary School in Chicago and was a proud 1956 graduate of St. Michael’s High School.

On December 29, 1956, she was united in marriage to Gregory Richard Olzewski at St. Michael’s Catholic Church.

Sandy was a proud United States Army wife while her husband was deployed in Korea and Vietnam. She served as a Den Mother for her sons Boy Scout Troops while living in Bloomington, Indiana and Waukegan, Illinois. She taught Sunday school at Our Lady of Humility Parish in Zion, Illinois. She volunteered at John S. Clark Elementary School in Waukegan, Illinois.

Sandra retired from Victory Memorial Hospital in Waukegan, Illinois, after twenty five years of service. She and her husband were landlords of numerous properties for thirty years.

Sandy was Greg’s First Mate while they enjoyed numerous years boating on Lake Michigan. They enjoyed world travel. She was an avid animal lover. However, above all, her most important title in life was “Grammy.” She helped raise amazing grandchildren that she loved dearly, spoiled, and made wonderful meals, with love always being the main ingredient.

Sandra will be missed and remembered by her husband of 60 years, Greg; her four children, Greg (Donna) Olzewski, Ken (Devon) Olzewski, Chrissy (Josh) Hecker, and John (Kim) Olzewski; eight loving grandchildren, Alex (Austin) Yarbrough, Kyle, Katie, Nick, Kerri, Kenny, Madison, and Karli, her great grandson, Lucas; and her constant canine companion, Skipper.

She is further survived by a brother, Fred Wolak and a sister, Rosemarie Wlodarczyk.

Along with her parents, Sandra was preceded in death by seven siblings.

Service Info

A celebration honoring Sandra’s life will be held on Sunday, October 16, 2016. Family will announce details at a later date.