Sandra J. Wright
Sandra J Wright (Sandie), 73 passed away suddenly on Friday January 15th. Sandie was born September 4th, 1947 in Chicago Heights, Ill, youngest daughter of Robert and Lois (Hartman) Johnson. Sandie graduated Tinley Park High School in Illinois and attended University of Kentucky at Lexington. She spent her summer vacation one year working at Stauffer Chemical in New York City when she was swept off of her feet by her future husband, John K. Wright. They married in Zweibrucken, Germany on November 9th, 1967, where John was serving in the Army and welcomed their first child, Heather. After discharge, they settled in Southern Connecticut and welcomed their son Robert. In 1986 the family relocated to the wonderful community of Fond du Lac where they continued to raise their family and contribute to the community that gave them so much.
Sandie was the love of John’s life, his partner, friend and soulmate. As he joked that he was still in “training” as a husband of 53 years, she always knew his dedication and devotion to be more than true. Any given weekend the two could be found at a Broadway play, concert or sharing a gourmet dinner with friends. Sandies true appetite was for travel- specifically world travel. Sandie rode camels in Egypt, was blessed by the Pope in Vatican City, walked the Great Wall of China, climbed the Acropolis in Greece, paid homage in Normandy, negotiated prices with street vendors in every corner of the world and found her true happiness on tropical beaches with family and friends each year.
Sandie channeled her inner “June Cleaver” (and at times Peg Bundy or Lucy Ricardo) when it came to her home and family- dinner at the table with your best manners every night, she carted kids to sporting events and their friends’ homes and wasn’t afraid to “try and fix it”- sometime successfully. And could she ever plan an event- birthday, holiday, vacation or general gathering.
More than anything, Sandie enjoyed the family vacation home in Vermont where she was able to become an accomplished skier and, if the mountain water was warm enough, a proficient tube floater. The seclusion and relaxation with family brought the entire family many years of memories of antiquing, marshmallow roasting, fishing, boating and salamander catching.
Sandies wit and humor gained her a number a wonderful lifelong friends and new ones at every turn. Lovingly referred to as the “Queen”, she enjoyed playing in many Bridge groups, competing on a traveling golf league (with a witnessed hole in one) lounging at the pool, shopping for bargains and sharing a laugh over a cocktail.
When Sandie was not in the company of her friends and family she was an avid gardener, hand stitched quilter, accomplished seamstress (ugh, matching outfits in the 70’s), devourer of books and the first lady of DIY in her younger years.
Sandie loved giving back and paying forward. She was deeply involved in the formative years of St. Agnes Love Lights, Welcome Wagon, Fondy Football Boosters, supporter of Bethany House, local food pantries and Solution Center. Sandie financially supported many community based secondary education scholarships to assist less fortunate students change their lives through education.
She is survived by her husband John of Fond du Lac; her children, Heather (Tim) Evenson of Fond du Lac, Robert (Holly) Wright of Middleton, WI; her sister, Pat (Mark) Mount of Amherst, MA; brothers-in-law, Peter (Becky) Wright of Gilford, NH, Ken (Carolyn) Wright of South Sutton, NH; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation will take place on Thursday, January 21, 2021, from 2- 6 PM at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 N. Park Ave, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. A memorial service will take place following the visitation at the funeral home at 6:00 PM. Due to Emergency Order #1 under Executive Order #82, masks are required while in attendance at the funeral home. Private family interment will take place at Rienzi Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please direct donations to: Food for Thought at the Fondy Food Pantry, or the Sandra Wright Nursing Scholarship at the Moraine Park Foundation.
Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com