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Sandra N. Schlenker

Sandra Schlenker Obituary

Schlenker, Sandra N. (Bortle)
West Bloomfield: May 13, 2009, at age 69. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Howard "Corky" Schlenker; sons, Edward (Katy) Schlenker, James (Robie) Schlenker, John (Krista) Schlenker; sister, Freda Whitaker; brother, James Bortle; grandchildren, Hanna, Julia, Jakob, Joshua Schlenker; several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son, David Schlenker in 1984. Sandy along with her husband owned and operated Schlenker Farm for 50 years. Sandy was a member of the Ionia Women's Club, West Bloomfield Historical Society and served as the West Bloomfield Town Historian. She was active in genealogy research since the 1960's and completed over a thousand genealogies for West Bloomfield Town residents. She was an accomplished author publishing more than 4 books during her lifetime.
You are invited to bring a written memory or favorite photo of Sandy for the family's memory book.
Friends are invited to call Sunday 2-4, 7-9 PM at the O'Connell-Dougherty Funeral Home, 2041 Lake Avenue, Lima. Her Memorial Service will be held Monday at 11 AM at the West Bloomfield Congregational Church, 9035 Rt. 5 & 20, West Bloomfield, NY. Private Interment, Miller's Corners Cemetery, Ionia, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the West Bloomfield Historical Society, PO Box 173, West Bloomfield, NY 14585.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Rochester Democrat And Chronicle from May 15 to May 16, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Sandra Schlenker

24 Entries

CRYSTAL SCHULTZ

August 21, 2009

I miss Aunt Sandy so much. I think about her all the time. I stopped out to the farm acouple of month's ago and i thought it would feel odd but it was ok.I guess i'm just used to seeing her there was all.

Crystal

Robert Schultz

June 8, 2009

Aunt Sandy was a very special person to me. Some of my best memories were spending time on the farm. Whether it was working the roadside stand or working in the fields. Most of the time though JP and I would just take off and hang out. JP and I were supposed to be born on the same day,but i got anxious and popped out a month early.
I remember that Aunt Sandy was a talented artist. The things she could make out of a mishapen squash were fantastic. My most cherished book is the family tree that she wrote.
Anyone that took the time to get to know Aunt Sandy knows what a special person she was. I will miss her a great deal and she will always be in my heart, and my fondest memories.

Robert Schultz

June 6, 2009

I have known Aunt Sandy all my life. When she was 8, I was born and became her doll baby to be carried everywhere. I survived!
As a teen my sister Carol and I worked after school picking squash and other veggies. I don't eat veggies and I survived!
Aunt Sandy & Uncle Corky taught me how to fly down hill on skis. I survived! I don't recall when I started calling Sandy "Auntie Em".It is something we enjoyed together.

My children Crystal & Bobby each spent a week on the farm each year. It is wonderful to have memories to reflect back upon. One thing I will miss are her Christmas cutouts for the tree. Each year they are the first decorations on our tree. Thank you for being my special Aunt. You & Uncle Corky will always be in my heart.

Donna Schultz-Barden

June 3, 2009

I rode my first dirt bike (thanks to Eddie & David!) and had my first job on the farm - waaaaaay back when. Sandy was the best Aunt ever & sent me letters over the past few years that I had sent to her when I was a teenager. She was such an impressive person with her many talents & gifts and was always eager to share them. I loved her so much that if my son had been a daughter, he would have been Sandra. I know she will be missed by many, but especially missed by her family. Corky, Ed, Jim & JP you are in my thoughts everyday.

Ginny & Bob Schultz

May 27, 2009

Bob and I knew her as "Aunt Sandy". Sandy was a Renaissance woman: artist, author, astute businesswoman, historian, genealogist, photographer, collector, lover of nature, and humanitarian. She was a model wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt to her family.

Sandy entered into my life only twelve short years ago when Bob, her nephew, brought me to a Fourth of July family picnic at the farm. I was immediatly drawn to her smile and exhuberance for life. I know that every time I decorate a christmas tree, eat an ear of corn, pick up a pumpkin, or see an intricate "gee-gaw", I will remember the great times spent with Sandy and Corky.

Sandy had the spirit of an eagle; strong, free and spirited. Bob and I will miss Aunt Sandy's presence, but our memories of her will live on and on in our hearts.

Corky and children, we share your loss.

Andrea & Oliver Scott

May 19, 2009

We were sorry to hear of the passing of Sandy. Her presence at the farm market and in the community will be missed.

crystal schultz

May 18, 2009

I went to the calling hour's on sunday the 2-4:00pm one. I couldn't believe all the people that where there at that time. She was loved by all and will be missed a great deal.

Kevin Carey

May 18, 2009

We were so saddened to hear of Sandy's passing. We wish you much peace and strength through this difficult time. Sandy's dedication to town history through her books and papers is legendary. Without her work, many of these stories would never have been told.

Kevin, Kirsten, Bryan and Jordan Carey

Ron (Jonesy) Jones

May 18, 2009

My son Jason had his first job last summer working with Corky, Sandy, and Ed. I remember picking him up one day after work and asking Sandy how he was doing. She told me he was a very hard worker, and had the nicest smile of any of the kids she has had work on the farm in quite a while. A "rare find" she said. I valued Sandy's opinion because who other than Corky and Sandy have provided an opprotunity for the many kids in town to have their first job. I will remember that conversation for a long time. Ed, Jimmy, and J.P., remember your Mom well.

Don O'Brien

May 17, 2009

It was a sad surprise to hear about Sandy. Her's is a special spirit filled with energy and joy for life. I'm sure it will live on within her family and within those who only saw her occasionally.
I won't see the farm market or the equipment passing on Elton Rd without thinking of Sandy.
Corkey if there's anything a neighbor can do please call me.
Don

Helen Fox

May 17, 2009

Sandy will be missed by so many. We shared family history searching with many happy times.

May 17, 2009

Aunt Sandy will be sadly missed. She was one of my favorite aunt's. I have so many great memorie's from when I would go out to the the farm during the summer and help out on the farm. I alway's looked forward to going out to seeing her and uncle corky. Me & my brother bobby would take turn's every year. I will sure miss her very much. I take my daughter stephanie out to the farm to go and get her pumpkin and she alway's look's forward to that. We will miss her alot. She was loved so much.

Sheila and Ray Vaughan

May 16, 2009

Sandy was one of those rare individuals who was able to combine enthusiasm and ability. Our contact with her was primarily in the history field, but as she and I trotted around the back roads of Bloomfield, we shared anecdotes on a wide range of subjects, and many, many laughs. She was part of the fabric of her community, and we will always think of her as one of nature's truly nice people.

Steve Martino (Sparky)

May 16, 2009

Sandy is such a warm and caring person. Words can't express how much she will be missed. She and the family were such a huge part of my life growing up. I worked at the farm for nearly a decade and looking back, those days were the most fun days of my teenage years. She treated all of us as part of the family. The farm taught me to work hard, push through difficult times, smile and have fun, and love life. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I will never forget my days on the farm and I will never forget Sandy and her smile. Thank you Sandy, Cork, Ed, Jim, and JP for such wonderful memories!

Phyllis Fritz

May 16, 2009

I am so sorry for your loss. I only knew Sandy for a short time but I knew she was a very special person even then. I am only sorry we did not stay in touch. We always sat together at the old RJC vs West Bloomfield basketball games way back in the fifties. I have an old high school pic of her that she sent when we wrote back and forth for awhile. I also remember her cousin Florence and the loads of fun we had. God Bless you all.

Diana Jordan

May 15, 2009

I am very sad to hear that Sandy passed away. Quite shocked actually. I work at Elm Manor Nursing Home and enjoyed Sandy's visits. Granny and Sandy were great people. Sandy always amazed me. She had so many talents, and was always on the go. A wonderful person who will be missed!!

Marilyn Loden

May 15, 2009

I recieved one of my most treasured articles for my geneolgy from Sandy when she interviewed my Aunt "May" (Riorden).She will be missed by many.

Kim (Ulmer) Lewis

May 15, 2009

Sandy always took the time to talk with you no matter how busy she was and she was a very busy person. Growing up with her boys and being neighbors of her and Corky was a pleasure...always smiling and friendly. The boys were always at our home or my brothers at their home when they weren't busy in the fields. So many area kids were able to have the experience and pleasure to work on "The Schlenker Farm". Corky...you and the boys are in my thoughts. Hold your most fondest memories of Sandy with you always. I know all too well that talking and laughing about your loved one helps very much so please never be afraid to talk or laugh about your life with Sandy. Take Care

Jacquie Shellman

May 15, 2009

Sandy's smile and always welcoming nature will be greatly missed. Rachel and I always looked forward to seeing her & granny at the vegetable stand in the fall. We couldn't wait to see what she did next with the gourds and their hiliarious outfits. She was a fixture at the historical society, she always knew you and was genuinely interested in what we were doing.

frank young

May 15, 2009

Our hearts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. Sandy will be deeply missed by this community her bright smile at the farm stand was always a joy, and pleasure to see and talk with her.
Frank ,Nancy,Chris and Travis Young

May 15, 2009

Sandy was such a good neighbor. She worked harder than anyone. I have so many good memories of her. She was such a talented artist and her historical insights were important to so many people. She will be missed beyond words.
Sue B.

Dina Bennett

May 15, 2009

Sandy was a mentor and inspiration to me as I went through my teen years. She used to say that I was the daughter she always wanted and the boys truely treated me like a sister. This loss has touched me deeply and I shall miss and think of Sandy every day, just as I have thought of David for the past 25 years, with fondness and love. All those who knew Sandy are forever blessed with knowing a wonderful and caring person who truely thought well of everyone. Corkey, my heart and thoughts go out to you. Thank you for all those wonderful years that all of you made me feel like part of your family.

May 15, 2009

I'd give anything to have one more day with you.
You were the perfect example of what a mother should be, I'll never forget you.
Don't worry, I'll take good care of him.

- R

Dick & Pat Day

May 15, 2009

We're so saddened to hear of Sandy's passing. We've known her for many years and she will be deeply missed. Our thoughts & prayers go out to the family.
Dick & "The Old Lady"

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