Sandra Nelson

Sandra "Sandy" Lea Nelson (Cunningham) passed away peacefully at the Hospice House of Olathe on April 4, 2016. She was 78. Her devotion to her family and her firm belief in God supported her in her struggle and ultimately gave her peace.
Sandy was born on January 19, 1938, in Neosho County, Kansas. She raised four children, finding joy in being a Den Mother, a member of the Navy Wives club, and as a homemaker. She started working fulltime after her children were grown and eventually retired in 2003 from Graphic Technology Incorporated.
Sandy was the type of person who genuinely loved to socialize and meet people. She had a heart for making sure others felt known, and knew how to create a community among those around her. And her love of animals, particularly of the feline persuasion, will continue to be passed on for generations to come.
Staying true to her spirit, Sandy often planned ways to cherish what she affectionately referred to as "borrowed time." Her requests for road trips and lunch dates were often met with exaggerated eye rolls and satiric sighs, but she always responded to the playful jests with her own. She was adamant not to leave this world until she made memories for all involved to cherish once her borrowed time had passed.
In her final days, Gran, (as she became known after the birth of her grandson, William) had many unexpected moments of physical strength and mental clarity. As always, she embraced each borrowed moment. She took the time to share words of wisdom, concede to April fool's antics, and even enjoyed a few last rounds of spider solitaire.
Even when trying to focus on the moments of joy and peace, it is difficult to shake the doubts, questions, and confusion that accompany loss. Our faith reminds us that our loss is Heaven's gain. The comfort of knowing Gran is home with the Father sheds a light on each tear; giving us glimmers of hope and happiness as we reflect on our time together.
Sandy is survived by her three daughters, Karla Nelson of the home, Carol Wietharn of Gardner, KS, and Karen Hicks (David) of Olathe, KS; her sisters, Kay Rankin of Louisburg, KS, Minnie Loughin of Olathe, KS; her seven grandchildren, Cory McDougal (Stephanie), of Osawatomie, KS, William Breitling, of the home, Jaime McDougal of Olathe, KS, Lea Breitling of Fayetteville, AR, Callie Wheeler of Olathe, KS, Carl McDougal of Gardner, KS, and Kevin Hicks of Olathe, KS; and one great-grandchild, Hendrix Garrison of Fayetteville, AR; and one of her latest of the beloved felines, Samuel Quill, of the home. She is preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Lucille Cunningham and her son, Calland L. Nelson.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the family in care of Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, or at www.youcaring.com.



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