Sandra Katherine (Bartos) Bandenieks, age 70, passed away unexpectedly on April 23, 2017 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Grand Rapids on August 13, 1946 to Joseph and Elaine Bartos. She was the fourth of six children in a family blessed by love and happiness.

Sandy was preceded in death by her two sons, Dale and Kyle; and older sister, Carol Marger. She leaves behind her husband, Andy Bandenieks; four siblings, Delores Johnson, Patty VanEss, Joe Bartos, and Ellen Crow; as well as many nieces and nephews who remember her fondly.

She and her loving husband Andy met when they were both just 15 years old and have been married for over 51 years. They were inseparable from the start and built a life together in and around the Grand Rapids area. They eventually settled in Rockford where they started their family. 

Sandy was a loving, generous and giving person with a smile and infectious laugh that brightened any room. She was an empathetic listener, completely present in every conversation, and her signature, “Well, yeaaaa!?” let you know she was listening. She understood, and was there for you as long as you needed her. She was our family’s cheerleader and will be missed so much.

Sandy was a voracious reader and found great joy in shopping for gifts for her grand nieces and nephews. However, her greatest passion was being with her family; later in life, this meant spending time with her grand nieces and nephews who loved her like a grandmother. One of her grandnephews remembers her as “never having a frown on her face.” We all believe that everybody needs an Aunt Sandy in their life.

A memorial service will be held from 1:00 – 4 :00 p.m. on Sunday, June 18, 2017 at the American Legion Post, 330 Rockford Park Dr. N.E., Rockford. Donations in Sandy’s name can be made to the Gift of Life, Michigan (http://www.giftoflifemichigan.org)

In keeping with her loving and generous spirit, Sandy was an organ and tissue donor who chose to donate life so that others may live. According to her wishes, cremation has taken place. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Sandy’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory please visit www.MichiganCremation.com