JoAnn R. Sandstrom

JoAnn Ruth Sandstrom (née Swanson), age 68, went to be with her Savior on December 12, 2025. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at home in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, snuggled beside her beloved fur baby, Buddy. JoAnn was born on February 18, 1957, in Chicago to Eric and Ruth Swanson, and from the very beginning her life was marked by a deep capacity for love, service, and joy. She married the love of her life, Les Allen Sandstrom, on December 17, 1977, at Glen Ellyn Evangelical Covenant Church (GEECC)-the faith community that would nurture her, and be nurtured by her, for nearly four decades.

JoAnn is preceded in death by her parents, Eric Harold and Ruth Vivian Swanson, and her brother, Carl Eric Swanson. She is survived by her devoted husband, Les; her daughters, Lisa Beth VanWagner (Joseph) and Karin Ruth Sandstrom; and her four treasured grandchildren: Charlotte Elisabeth Sandstrom, Easton Thomas VanWagner, Isla Jo Sandstrom-Wombwell, and Emmett Allen VanWagner. She is also survived by her brothers, Terry Alan Swanson and Robert Harold Swanson (Elizabeth); nieces Susan Sandstrom, Robin Elizabeth Morrison (Bradley), and Grace Elizabeth Jorgenson (Arek); and nephews Brian Sandstrom (Gwen) and Eric Robert Swanson (Stacey).

To know JoAnn-"Mama Jo"-was to feel embraced, noticed, and genuinely cared for. A registered nurse for more than 35 years, JoAnn poured her heart into every patient she served. Whether caring for mothers and babies in labor and delivery, walking alongside those battling hepatitis C during her "G.I. Jo" years, or offering comfort and dignity to residents in the memory care unit at The Holmstad in Batavia, JoAnn lived her calling with compassion, strength, and steadfast gentleness. Her patients adored her because she cared for each one as if they were her own family.

Her church family at GEECC was one of her greatest joys. She volunteered tirelessly-at Vacation Bible School, weddings, fellowship groups-always with a humble and willing heart. JoAnn deeply cherished her Swedish heritage, celebrating traditions with pride and joy, especially the annual Lucia festivities, where she never hesitated to raise her hand to serve a cup of fika.

But JoAnn's most cherished role-the one that lit up her entire world-was being "Gamma Jo." She traveled across the country and the globe without hesitation, for even a few precious moments, with her grandchildren. She created "Grandma Camps," planned elaborate birthday adventures, filled shopping trips with laughter, and spent countless nights rocking babies while soaking in every second of their sweetness. She had an unmatched gift for thoughtful giving, always finding just the right thing to delight someone's heart. Her home on Kenilworth was always dressed for the season, transformed time and again into a magical, ever-changing landscape of holiday décor.

JoAnn loved all creatures great and small-barn cats, rescue pups, and horses-each one finding in her a safe and loving friend. She was an avid reader who never left the house without a book tucked in her purse, and each evening she could be found cozied up in her favorite rocking chair, especially at Christmastime, often enjoying a holiday-themed mystery featuring a loyal pet.

To be loved by Mama Jo was to be cherished. She reflected the love of Christ in the most tangible ways-steady, selfless, and sincere. She lived her faith quietly but unmistakably, placing others first and choosing love above all else. Our hearts ache with the weight of her absence, yet we rejoice in the truth she held so deeply: that she is now home with Jesus. We imagine her rejoicing in Heaven's light, perhaps even enjoying a pepparkakor, just in time for Lucia.

Visitation will be held from 6:00–9:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at Glen Ellyn Evangelical Covenant Church, 277 Hawthorne Boulevard, Glen Ellyn, IL. A memorial service will take place the following day at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, December 22, 2025, at the church, followed by fellowship with family and friends in celebration of JoAnn's beautiful life.

For those who are unable to join us in person, we welcome you to participate through the church's livestream. The service will be available to view approximately 20 minutes prior to the start of the service on Monday at the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/@glenellyncovenantchurch6688/streams or via the link button below.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to GEECC in JoAnn's name at https://gecovenant.breezechms.com/give/online.