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Sandra Konopelski Obituary
Memories and Condolences
for Sandra Konopelski
74 Entries
DEB HOWATT
April 24, 2019
I just now learned about this wonderful, loving woman who was such a blessing to the 'wilds' who crossed her path and entered her life..reading her story brought tears..the animals of this World need more like her..what a tragic loss to all who knew her and those who did not get the privilege to meet her..I have no doubt you are surrounded by many in Heaven..
Brian Blevins
June 13, 2016
I am at such a loss for words right now. What an amazing woman who truly cared for animals. People like her do not grace this Earth with their presence often, and she will truly be missed by not just all the people, but by all the animals. Rest easy Sandra, you've done wonders here on Earth, and you'll never be forgotten.
Diann Stotler
June 4, 2015
I wish I could've met you in this life. I knew there was "a woman who took the chickens" when the Caseyville rabbit rescue happened. And the other day, I was at the Bunny House Shelter and while looking at some bunnies, I was told about how you helped rescue them from the woods. The person talking about you shared with me how much they thought of you and that you had passed on while helping an animal. It brought tears. I can think of no better way to leave this life than to do so in service to God as you did. Thank you for all that you have done and I do plan on getting to meet you with Jesus when it's my turn. May God bless your family and all who love you!
Lynda masterson
May 21, 2015
I met sandie twice once she came to my house to rescue a bunny that was the lone survivor of a litter of four the others had been killed by a dog. I also brought her a bird that was stranded on the side of Lebanon road. She was so caring to the animals. Peopl like sandy make this world a better place. She will be missed by many.
May 13, 2015
a tragedy and a loss for everyone and all the animals as well.
Rich Henry
May 11, 2015
Sandie, was a blessing and an angel here on earth. Now she is an angel up there in heaven. Met her about ten years ago thru the Tree House society. Got to know her even better at the Illinois House Rabbit Society meeting, she, also, attended. Called her several times with wild bunnies meeting her somewhere along a roadway, where she could treat them from that point on. Referred several area Staunton residents to her, also. All of our lives now have a void with Sandie gone, but her memories live and spur the rest of us on.
God Bless you, Rich and the rest !!
Julie Coggeshall
May 8, 2015
Sandra was always there to help. she came to our house to pick up a injured goldfinch & several times she let me drop off injured , helpless birds. I will forever be so thankful for her. I told her she did Gods work. She will be dearly missed. My thoughts & prayers go out to her husband, family and friends. She will never be forgotten.
Lorraine White
May 4, 2015
Sandi was such a blessing to us last year when she rescued baby rabbits from our home. She gave my kids instructions on their part in the resuce with care and professionalism. I knew that I had come in contact with a "wonder woman" who was one of a kind! Her love for all things in Gods creation was hard to miss.
Nikos Ames
May 2, 2015
Having just met Sandi through a phone call a few weeks ago, i was shocked to hear the news the following weekend. She was a big help to me with an an animal in need and had hoped to learn more from her in the future. Although she is not here with us any longer, she will continue to assist all that knew her through her spirit. My condolences to her immediate family, and extended Bi-State Wildlife family as well.
LeeAnn Tapscott
May 2, 2015
Oh Sandie, It was truly an honor to have met you. Your wisdom, love, and knowledge of these earthly beings is impossible for anyone to comprehend.We who knew you even for a brief time were in awe. Your impact on earth is not replaceable.My deepest sympathy to your family.
Carol & Scott Grueneich
May 1, 2015
Sandy will fondly be remembered by our family we stayed in their rental housing when we came back from over seas her and the family were always so welcoming. The animals you saved my friend are yo many to count RIP sweet angel
Sandie and I providing chicks and bunnies for photos with families at Faith Family Church on Easter Sunday 2015
Pat Daly
May 1, 2015
Irreplaceable. We will be irreplaceable to our families and closest friends, to be sure, but few of us will be irreplaceable to our acquaintances, colleagues or communities. Sandie is the exception. "What are we going to do without her," lamented a member of our group to which Sandie belonged.
Our group, the House Rabbit Society, rescues domestic (pet-store variety) bunnies. We get calls - I've gotten three this week - from persons who have mowed over cottontail nests or whose dogs have disturbed nests. I could always call Sandie and she would know exactly what to do, and take the injured and orphaned.
On a bitter cold night in January 2014, Caseyville police asked us to rescue 29 domestic rabbits that were starving in outdoor hutches at a vacant house. It was not Sandie's problem but she offered to help, and we were grateful. A tree had fallen on the hutches and Sandie pried off boards to release the trapped bunnies, gently removing the surviving adults and seven infants.
We took the bunnies to our shelter; Sandie took home four chickens and spent a considerable sum on the special food and medicine they needed to recover.
When Sandie wasn't nursing small critters, she came to our meetings and brought BunnyButt, one of the two domestic rabbits she had rescued. Sandie said she enjoyed bringing the standoffish bunny because, in the unfamiliar setting, BunnyButt would snuggle with her. (BunnyButt and Checkers presently reside in our shelter.)
We will miss you terribly, Sandie, our dear friend and helpmate and, yes, we wonder how we will manage without you.
Pat Daly, O'Fallon, IL, and the other Metro-East members of the House Rabbit Society of Missouri / St. Louis
julie Crowder
May 1, 2015
Sandi was an earthly angel to our wildlife. She helped many birds I brought to her. She was never to busy to save an animal no matter what kind it was. I could not begin to count the lives she saved. She had a wisdom about animals like no other person I knew. I miss her dearly and always will. I will continue to think of her whenever I see a wild animal or bird. She was a great friend that you could count on no matter what.
Wanda Keen
April 30, 2015
I met Sandi in September 2000. She was the President of the Protestant Women of the Chapel at Scott AFB. I was new to the area and she welcomed me to the community. I will always remember her love for the animals she rescued, her love and dedication to her husband and daughter. Her willingness to help Military families find housing in the area and her love for women to grow in God. I live in Hawaii now and was shock to hear of the accident.
I pray that God will comfort her family and the surrounding community with His Peace. Aloha Oe Sandie!
Risa Light
April 29, 2015
While I did not have the honor of personally meeting you Sandi, it must be said how deeply you touched the lives and hearts of all humanity while serving your higher purpose without a moment's hesitation. Though the Universe had other plans for your brilliant light, your enormous legacy has eclipsed what so many can only dream of achieving. You leave us with love, compassion, and belief that change does indeed come from within' ~~ all simply as a result of desire and passion to manifest and create positively. Your beautiful energy has transitioned however remains FUR-EVER in our hearts. Thank you for your incredible blessings.
So very sincerely,
Risa Light
Shirley & Bryan Mohr
April 28, 2015
It has sadden so many of us at the news of Sandie's unexpected death. She was an wonderful woman and friend to all who knew her. She surely loved animals and it didn't matter what kind they were. If they needed help, she was there in a heart beat. They were all God's precious creatures and she would do anything to try to save them. Sandie will be missed and was loved by everyone who knew her. Always willing to help no matter when, where or how. Once we found a baby bunny in the church lawn and she came and took it right away to safety. She was an amazing lady and our prayers go out to the family for comfort and strength. Know she was truly loved by so many and will be terribly missed.
karen ohara
April 28, 2015
I was reading all the wonderful. things that. people are saying about her wish i could of met her. caring person one of gods creatures we all are when i get to heaven. i know. she will b there. to meet me to all of Sandys family u have. my sympathy. n condolences. god b with u i love. u sandy
karen ohara
April 28, 2015
I was reading all the wonderful. things that. people are saying about her wish i could of met her. caring person one of gods creatures we all are when i get to heaven. i know. she will b there. to meet me to all of Sandys family u have. my sympathy. n condolences. god b with u i love. u sandy
Kim Mcgough
April 28, 2015
A couple of months ago I signed up for the bi state wildlife rescue class at the humane society. Sandy was the first person I met there and she instantly made me feel welcomed! I did not know her well, however her passion and kindness and excitement for the animals was infectious! In the eight or so hours I was with her I could feel her joy, compassion, knowledge, and commitment! She was a true inspiration! To her family, friends, and coworkers: I am truly sorry for your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
susan bishop
April 27, 2015
such a wonderful lady you will be soo greatly missed by animals and your humans alike Rest In Peace wonderful lady the world is a sadder place because you have left
Joy Gioia
April 27, 2015
The world lost a lovely lady. I knew Sandie both through wildlife rehab and the House Rabbit Society of Missouri. Her compassion and knowledge will be missed by those who knew her and all of the animals that need help. You, who are her family, are very special to have helped her do something she loved. As a fellow rehabber and animal rescue person I know this is not the easiest thing on family members so she was blessed to have you and my sincere sympathy goes out to you for having lost her in your life. She will be waiting for you and who knows what she may be accomplishing now? I can easily visualize her sending messages from heaven to people about animals in need of help. She was a true angel on earth and I'm sure she continues her mission as an angel in heaven.
Deborah Clark
April 27, 2015
Sandie, I will miss bowling with you on our Friday league. I will miss sharing a bowling ally burrito with you and I will miss beating you and getting beat by you in Words With friends. May you rest in peace dear friend. I send out prayers for your family during this time in their lives.
Rich Henry
April 27, 2015
Sandie was such a great and compassionate person. This was seen in her animal rescue efforts. First met her about ten years ago. Enjoyed every conversation, which will be missed. May you be at the Rainbow Bridge with all your saved/rescued fur kritters. Rich and the rest !!
John & Pam Phillips
April 27, 2015
My husband and I were blessed to talk to Sandy over the phone last August regarding a baby groundhog that was injured. She was so sweet in how much time she took speaking to my husband and me about God's little creature in need of some help. We never had the opportunity to meet her in person but I know she was very caring and a lover of animals, and we sure do appreciate everything she did in her life. She is now getting her rewards in Heaven. We are praying for her family. We can't imagine the void that she has left.
Gary & Bonnie Rohr
April 27, 2015
Sandy, Such a great lady You will be missed by many.
April 27, 2015
Sandy was a caring, gentle soul. Although I didn't know you long, you made an impression on me and my family and we will not forget your kindness towards humans and wildlife alike. RIP Sandy. You passed doing what you loved.
Crystal McConnell
April 27, 2015
I still cannot believe you are gone. You will forever be remembered in our minds, our hearts, and our souls. Every animal we save will be in rememberance of you. Your kindness, compassion, understanding, laughter, fearlessness, and sweet-natured ways will always be remembered.
Deborah Harris
April 27, 2015
Thank you Sandra for bringing a special light into this world and for saving all God's creatures. Rest in peace.
nikki
April 26, 2015
I was referred to Sandy after finding and trying to care for a baby bird. When I called her she was ready to meet me right away. She was very kind and sweet. I'm so sorry to hear of her passing. Prayers for her surviving family. God bless
April 26, 2015
Thank you Sandie.
Karen K.
Carol Gisler
April 26, 2015
Farewell Sandra and thank you.
From a fellow rehabber also born 1957.
April 26, 2015
I don't know what to say other than it makes me sad for your family and all the animals that don't have you any more.she helped me so many times over the past years I will miss you. Dee Eglseder of Belleville
Mary Cummins
April 26, 2015
Sandie was a wonderful and loving person who truly cared for our native wildlife. She will be deeply missed.
Maggie Hughes
April 26, 2015
I met Sandie through a raccoon. I brought it to her home, and she thanked me for going to get it because she was getting ready to go to a wildlife symposium. We ended up talking for an hour and 40 minutes. Sandie quickly became the mentor and friend I desperately needed. I saw in her my future self, and I'd like to think she saw herself in me, too. It felt like she knew exactly who I was and what I was about. The first time I helped her feed babies, she didn't question my technique, just handed me a cup of milk, a syringe, and a squirrel. My memories of her are few, but my love for her was great as it matched the love she gave me, unconditionally, though she barely knew me. I will continue my work as a wildlife rescuer in her honor, and I will carry her love from my heart to the animals I help. Early on, she said I would be her angel. It was the kindest thing anyone has ever said to me. Undoubtedly, she has now become my angel.
April 26, 2015
God speed you to your reward Sandie, I am sure there are tons of animals waiting to welcome you home.
geri mcgee
April 26, 2015
Sandy breaks my heart to hear you are gone. I know your faith and i know you have a special spot in heaven. Just way to short and greatly will be missed. See you again one day. God Speed my friend. Forever in our hearts. Praying for your family.
Cecilia Gray
April 26, 2015
Wow I am shocked to hear this story. You sound like an amazing woman and I am grateful for your work. People like you make the world a better place. My prayers are for your family and friends.
Angel Wintrode
April 26, 2015
Mark and Nikki, I cannot even begin to imagine the loss you are feeling right now. I knew Sandie for 4 years and yet the pain is unending. If there is anything I, or any of us, can do to help, please say the word. We'll help in any way we can. Sandie was an amazing person, and you two made her that person. She truly loved you both so very much. We all loved her immensely. 'If love could have saved her, she would have lived on forever.'
Wildlife Hotline
April 26, 2015
Joan McCray
April 26, 2015
i just spoke to Sandy at church last Sunday, I am saddened but rejoicing that she is in heaven.
Jeni Marshall
April 26, 2015
I met Sandie for the first time last Sunday April 19th 2015.I learned that she was the only person in the area qualified for wildlife rehabilitation. I brought her a baby bunny that was disturbed by a domestic dog.I knew right away she a deeply caring person. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends.
Pat Lee
April 26, 2015
I never met you. But wish I would have. You are known for your compassion to animals. That makes you my hero. Praying g or you and your family and all of the animals whose lives were touched by you.
Marti Stone
April 26, 2015
Mark, Nikki and the rest of the family-I can' find the words that express how deeply sorry I am. Thanks to Sandie for the countless animal rescues she helped me with and thanks for sharing your knowledge in helping raise baby animals . She was tireless, fearless, compassionate and kind. One in a million. The world has suffered a great loss.
Susan Jenkins
April 26, 2015
To Sandie's family and many friends who loved her. I met Sandie when I visited my brother about a dozen years ago. She was wonderfully gracious and loving. I know that her gentle spirit will be missed by all who knew her. May the love and support of family and friends, along with all your wonderful memories of her help to ease your grief.
April 26, 2015
May this light burn brightly to remember Sandie always
Marge Szelmeczka
April 26, 2015
To Sandie's family. I am at a loss for words to express my grief on the loss of one of the most blest wild life rescuers. She truly had the gift of St. Francis of Assisi. Sandie was unique. My prayers go out to Marc and the family at your loss. You now have a saint in Heaven.
Lynne Brendel
April 26, 2015
Sandie was a dedicated,caring, and knowledgeable person. We had a snow white dove spend 2 months on our porch. She told us it was a racing pigeon and she knew of an appropriate placement for it. I knew I was meeting a gifted, unique lady when I handed the bird over to her on Jan.24th. May her reward in heaven be great.
Sherree Schneider
April 25, 2015
I am still in shock after learning about Sandy's untimely passing. She was someone I could truly count on when it came to taking care of a wounded or sick animal. I hatched a baby robin from an egg, raised it until it got it's first pin feathers, and then she stepped in and raised it the rest of the way for me. I was at her house the day we let it fly free. She had been to my home to gather the baby possums I found on the road after their momma was hit. She didn't care that it was 11:30 at night, she came right away to help, she even found the mom who was in bad shape and saved the other 5 babies she had in her pouch. I had taken her a baby squirrel she nursed back from the brink of death. She took me all over her property and brought me in to see all the babies including a very teeny baby hummingbird that she was hand feeding. Oh I have such memories of Sandy...I will miss her so much. I don't know what we are all going to do without her. Many prayers to her family and friends. We lost a great lady here on earth and heaven truly just received an angel.
sheri noel
April 25, 2015
My husband and I got to meet Sandra when she came to are home to get a baby bunny that I had found and she was a very nice and my husband ask her if he could call to see how the bunny as doing she said that was fine and she will be missed by ever one she helped out and my prayers go out to her family and friends
Finn Witt
April 25, 2015
I didn't know her, but I certainly knew of her. I'm deeply saddened I'll never get to meet her. Sandra was a wonderful, beautiful person who helped better the lives of others. She'll be dearly missed, but never forgotten.
scotty rogers
April 25, 2015
i had an opportunity to meet her, she was a sweetheart.
cindy Rudelic
April 25, 2015
Sandie, was my hero she helped me countless times saving geese & ducks , and advice on how to help other wildlife . We rescued 2 geese the were impossible to rescue . She told me if we were to get the job done I would have to become friends with them .They were in bad shape took me several weeks . I spent hours everyday for weeks .I called her both times & said It is Time . She dropped everything & low & behold We captured them . We cried & hugged . I will never get over losing Sandie . My prayers are with her family ,friends, Treehouse & the animals yet to be saved . I truly love you Sandie
Beverly Smith
April 25, 2015
Sandie was such a wonderful kind person she will be terribly missed by both the people that will always remember her and the animals she saved.
Kirsten and Stella Parriott
April 25, 2015
My daughter and I are so sad. We got to meet Sandra last year when she took an orphaned baby squirrel from us and she was glad to give us a tour of the animals at her home. She was such a wonderful person.
Kathleen Kaminski
April 25, 2015
Sandy was at my house last year to pick up a female orphaned baby squirrel. She also helped me out with baby bunnies about 6 or 7 years ago. The last time I saw her, she hung out with me & told me numerous stories of her rescues & her near brushes with death trying to save a critter off of Greenmount Rd & a deer that was struck on HWY 64. She will be greatly missed by all. I pray she was greeted warmly in heaven by all those she tried to save & those she did save who were able to live a long life, thanks to her.
amanda sayres
April 25, 2015
My heart is broken over this news. I met her about a month ago when I brought an injued bunny to her and we talked for an hour and a half. I believe she is one of the most special people I have ever met. Huge heart! I told her then that she was wonderful and I was glad she existed. This whole area will miss her and especially the animals who she gave her love and care. Prayers to her family! She is with Jesus now but certainly the loss of such a unique and special person here on earth will leave a huge void. RIP Sandy!
April 25, 2015
Sandy loved those little critters and she loved God. She was a great Christian whom I had the pleasure and privilege of knowing. She taught me things I will never forget.
She was always welcoming at church and would greet me with genuine smile and warm hug. She will truly be missed. Prayers for the family.
Stephanie Lawson-Gasparich
April 25, 2015
So many stories, so many adventures, so many memories with my dynamic cousin Sandie. She was one in a million. I will miss you deeply.
Susan wagner
April 25, 2015
I didn't. know. her but her passing. is sad. u have. my condollences sorry for your lss god b with her
April 25, 2015
I cannot put into words how wonderful Sandy was. She never hesitated when I called her about an injured animal. She truly loved nursing an injured animal back to health and felt true sorrow for the ones who didn't make it. My wife and I are going to miss her very much. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Robert and Trish Yawn, O'Fallon, IL
Davonna Sjurseth
April 25, 2015
I just recently met with Sandie to give her a baby bunny to rehabilitate. She was a wonderful lady and had helped with bunnies from me in the past. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers for her family.
Davonna Sjurseth, Waterloo, IL
Dee Brundage
April 25, 2015
My husband and I are shocked and heartbroken to learn we've lost Sandy. Like so many others, Sandy was always there for us...to answer a question, give us instructions, or to take on and care for a baby or sick bird. I learned a lot from Sandy in the few years I was blessed to know her....about birds, wildlife, humanity, and extending compassion to those with whom we share our world. Sandy's death has left a crater-sized void. We are next door in O'F and here as needed to help her family and extended family.
Linda Stevens
April 25, 2015
sandra was at our home on wed picking up a sick raccoon. she was a very sweet and warm person. we even dug hen and chickens and a start of a mamosa tree for her to start. our prayers for her family,friends and all creatures she helped and loved. we are blessed to of had the privilege of knowing her. linda stevens and ernie wilson.
Wanda
April 25, 2015
God Bless You Sandra.
RaeAnna Heskett
April 25, 2015
Sandy and I met often during the spring and summer. Our conversation once drifted to why we help animals. She said God called her to. She said she prayed when she couldn't save one and during the calm of prayer, something told her that the animals she had tried to save was with Him now and that he loved them too. They will be there waiting. Sandy was such a loving and devoted force for the wild life in our area. She went above and beyond everyday. If only everyone could have the compassion for every living thing the way she did. She was a role model and one of my personal heroes. I think the world of her. My heart aches for her husband and family. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
mike fears
April 24, 2015
You will be missed Sandie. We will do our best to take care of all the wildlife we can in your honor.
Mike
sarah tyminski
April 24, 2015
Words cannot express the loss that my daughter and I are feeling at this time. She was angel that came into our lives in 2006. She made sure that we had food and a roof over our heads and a good friend to talk to.
She came back into our lives again In a loving dramatic way when she found, nursed and cared for a lost pet fox of a family member. She found a beautiful place for him to live the rest of his life happy and safe. All creatures great and small are mourning her loss...rest in peace my friend.
cheryl pride
April 24, 2015
The last time I saw Sandy was when she just rescued a large female juvenile bald eagle...I can still see her big smile. She is watching and protecting all critters from above.
Carl Lawson
April 24, 2015
When she was a child, the animals would come out of the woods to her. I remember a mother deer and her fawn sniffing her, and she loved them, a mother skunk showing off her babies to her. Sandra-Ann had a gift from God that never left her. We are all so blessed to have had her in our lives.
Her Brother Carl and Family,
North Port, FL,
Patricia Finucane
April 24, 2015
I have known Sandra for over 10 years when I found an orphaned litter of opossums. I have called on her many times since then and directed others to her. She was a light for animals and humans alike. This is an enormous loss for all lost and injured animals she was going to help in the future. My heart goes out to her family and their loss. Know she was very loved and respected and will be terribly missed by all, human, furry, feathered alike.
Judy Whicker
April 24, 2015
She was such a wonderful person for the way she took care of the animals. I only met her once. She took in a baby for us. Prayers for her family
April 24, 2015
I have taken many injured animals to Sandra over the years. She had a heart of gold and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family. Russ and Dianne Jarvis
April 24, 2015
I did not know Sandra but I am very sorry for her family and friends. She sounds like an amazing and caring person. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
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