Mary Elaine Sandman

Mary Elaine Sandman was born on January 2, 1929 to Ione and Leonard Rademacher.nbsp; She died on February 5, 2011 at the age of 82 years after a short illness. She lived in Inglewood, California for 5 years until her husband died suddenly in an automobile accident. Mary was 26 years old at that time and returned to Sioux City, Iowa, where she spend the next 12 years working at Johnson Biscuit Co. She made life-long friends there and met and fell in love with Jerry Carl Sandman. They were married on December 30, 1970 and lived in Rockford, Illinois until his death on January 27, 2009. While in Rockford, Mary worked as a chef and was a wonderful cook and baker. She loved the interaction with the people most of all and loved to tease and joke with younger employees.

Mary was a strong and fiercely independent woman, and it was not unusual to find her doing plumbing, woodworking or other home repairs. She was not afraid to voice her opinion or take a stand about something she believed in. She was a survivor and a fighter and a force to be reckoned with if she thought something was unfair or unjust.nbsp; Yet she was also a gentle and spiritual soul who had great passion for the earth. She eagerly awaited for Spring each year so she could plant her flowers and garden and be in the sun every day. Mary was an avid fisherman and boater earlier in her life and spent many happy days on Lake Mead.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Lyn (Kermit) Wilson; two grandchildren, Brett (Tamara) Rogers and Tricia (Mike) Falbo; 10 great-grandchildren, Bari, Nick, Aaron, Austin, Jacob, Tyler, Tate, Tess, Mackenzie and Logan. She was predeceased by her brother, Leonard Rademacher Jr. and his wife, Darlene.

There will be a visitation from 5pm to 7pm on Monday, February 7 in Fitzgerald Funeral Home - Riverside Chapel.nbsp; Funeral services will be held in Sioux City, Iowa with updates on a time and place to be located in the Sioux City, Iowa local paper. Burial will be in Memorial park Cemetery in Sioux City following funeral services. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made out to the family.