Sandra M. Wenze

Sandra Mae Wenze, 61, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2024 after a brief illness.

In the days leading up to her death, she was surrounded by family and friends. Her husband Terry was by her side throughout and was her supporter, advocate, and partner as together they navigated through her final days.

Sandy was born in 1963 in Niles, Michigan to James and Dorothy Clark. She lived in the Niles area until she moved to Colorado approximately 2 years after high school. Sandy worked at different childcare centers, including Dottie's Daycare. She played a key role at the daycare, working with preschoolers to prepare them for kindergarten. Sandy's nephews and niece in Colorado were among the children she worked with at the daycare, and they have fond memories of the time spent with her.

Sandy graduated from Metropolitan State College with a degree in teaching. She taught kindergarten and first grade in the Cherry Creek School District for more than 30 years, positively impacting the lives of countless children and families. Often, Sandy would be in a store or at a community event and a student or family would approach her with "Hi, Mrs. Wenze!" Some of these students were now in high school or college, but she always remembered them from her classroom, and enjoyed catching up with them. She valued the relationships she had with staff and fellow teachers throughout the years, enjoying the get-togethers in and outside of school. As a new teacher, Sandy was grateful for the opportunities she had to be mentored by experienced educators, and as her career advanced she was happy to share her knowledge to mentor new teachers. She made lasting connections with students, families, and with her co-workers that extended beyond the classroom.

Sandy and her husband Terry enjoyed hosting neighborhood get-togethers, inviting friends and family to gather at their home to watch the July 4th fireworks, and opening their home as a meet-up point for neighborhood trick-or-treating (with homemade chili and fixings). She had a strong network of friends including the swim group at the local rec center, a bunco group, and a group of ladies she met through school that would get together for planned events. She was a football fan and was an avid participant in at least one football pool. Sandy enjoyed playing card games with her family and friends and was very competitive. A favorite family memory was a trip to Mexico with Terry, Jenna and Adam.

Sandy is survived by her husband, Terry, and her son, Adam; her father James Clark; brothers Douglas (Diana) Clark, Jeffrey (Jane) Clark, and Jonathan Clark; and sisters Robin (Ron) Chlarson, Noelle Schafer, and Erin (Rafael) Negrete, as well as her beloved Aunt Shirley Bell, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her beautiful daughter, Jenna, her mother Dottie Clark, stepmother Sandy K. Clark, brother Bradley Clark, mother-in-law Lynda Wenze, brother-in-law Rob Coffey, a favorite uncle, Larry Bell, and a much-loved cousin, Becki Bell, and other loved uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Sandy was deeply loved by her husband, son, and extended family and she will be greatly missed. The impact she had on all of us will live on in our hearts.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Monday, October 14, 2024 @ 4PM MT

Crossroads Community Church

9900 S Twenty Mile Rd

Parker, CO 80134

Livestream: livestream.com/visitcrossroads/memorial