Agnes Mary Sandrowski

1917 - 2017

AGNES MARY SANDROWSKI 11-18-1917 - 12-26-2016 Our beloved mother, grandmother & great grandmother quietly left this world on Monday, December 26, 2016, in Chico, California. Agnes was born November 18th, 1917 in Detroit, Ward 19 (which became Mt. Clemens) Michigan, to Wilhelmina (Lambrecht) and Martin Wohlgenant. Agnes grew up on a small farm which provided a setting where all members of the family helped to grow, harvest and sell crops. She and her older sister Rose gathered eggs from the chickens and ducks, which the girls sold. At an early age Agnes learned what it meant to be 'responsible' and she developed a strong work ethic. While working at an A&P market, Agnes met a butcher, Leopold Stanley Sandrowski. She was so impressed with his ability to display the meat in an appealing & attractive manner that she began to chat with him. Agnes and Leo were married on December 28, 1939! Their first child, George Stanley, died soon after his birth. Their next two children, Ted and Leona, were born in Mt. Clemens, Michigan. In 1947, a cross country 'summer vacation road trip' took the family to Long Beach, California. The sunny southern CA climate and family - Agnes' sister Rose, and Leo's brother Ted - were the lures needed for them to relocate to the West Coast! Agnes believed Long Beach would be her home for the rest of her life. While living there, she and Leo had three more children: Mary, Carol and Josephine. Agnes worked as a waitress in upscale dinner houses. After she and Leo divorced, she continued waitressing, now at a landmark Mexican Restaurant, 'Mexico City', in North Long Beach. It was there she met the Jauregui family and became close friends with many of them. In 1974, Agnes moved to Chico, California, to help daughter Carol and son-in-law Richard 'Richie' Jauregui open 'Ricardo's' restaurant. The plan was to stay for a year, helping do whatever was necessary to help the couple realize their dream. Son, Ted, and his family were living in Chico, and he too 'helped' with creating Ricardo's. When it was time for the Grand Opening, Agnes' youngest daughter Josephine came from Hawaii to help, waitressing alongside her mother. Yes, it was a family endeavor! Agnes continued to be a presence at Ricardo's for many years. Even after she retired from waitressing, she frequently worked behind the scenes in the restaurant office. Chico had become her home. During her life in Chico, Agnes was a faithful member of Our Divine Savior Catholic Church. She attended daily mass and sang in the choir. She participated in the Catholic Ladies Relief Society and the Food Locker. She began to attend the Alzheimer Support Group meetings after learning that a friend's family member had been diagnosed with the disease. Agnes was a devoted 'Angel of Mercy' visiting the sick and shut-ins, helping wherever she could. She seemed to have an endless source of energy! Perhaps those yoga classes at the CARD center contributed!!! In addition to all she did and was, she was a grandmother. Nana helped care for her many grandchildren: Joanna Shields, Camille, Christina (Tina), Clairesse (Claire) and Tom Jauregui. So it only made sense that she would belong to the Grandmother's Club!!! When Agnes moved to The Oakmont Retirement Residence, she continued with her active participation in life. She enjoyed their numerous activities, including Wii-bowling, Trivia, 'Spelling Bees' as well as their special events- the quilt shows, fashion shows, art shows, musical performances and holiday sing-alongs. She made many friends while living there. As her eyesight and health declined, she had to relocate to a facility where more assisted care was provided. While living at Windsor Chico Care, she continued to participate in as many activities as she could and always included her family to join in their celebrations. Agnes was preceded in death by her sister Rose Petty of Long Beach, CA, step-sister Betty Lehman of Mequon, WI, and former husband Leopold Sandrowski of Chico, CA. Agnes was devoted to her family and provided ongoing support and encouragement for all of them. She is survived by her five children: Ted Sandrowski (Karen) Chico, CA, former daughter-in-law Shirley Johnson Chico, CA, Leona Shields (Charles) Sacramento, CA, Mary 'Mimi' McKalson (Bruce) Paradise, CA, Carol Jauregui (Richard) Chico, CA, and Josephine 'Jo' Schmillen (Scott) Jackson, WY She had ten grandchildren: Tate & Tad Sandrowski, Joanna (Shields) Kush, Camille Jauregui (Sackett), Christina Tejada Jauregui, Clairesse Jauregui and Tom Jauregui, Heidi, Heather & Mathew Schmillen, and eight great-grandchildren: Dane & Blake Kush, Taylor & Ryan Sackett, Jordan Jesula (Jauregui), Ellie & Abby Jauregui and Jordyn Schmillen. The family would like to thank the caregivers at Windsor Chico Care and the members of the Butte Home Health & Hospice team for the care they provided for Agnes. Mother's last 'What I want for Christmas wish', "To be here for Christmas and hear Christmas carols" came true. She slipped away in the early hours of December 26, 2016. A memorial mass to celebrate Agnes' life will be held at 11 am, November 17, 2017 at Our Divine Savior Catholic Church, Chico, California. To view online and leave condolences for the family please go to NewtonBracewell.com