Sandra Jean Augustyn

Sandra Jean Augustyn nee Brzank, 81, of Villa Park, IL passed away on December 29, 2024 in Villa Park, IL.
Sandy was born February 26, 1943 in Chicago, IL to Joseph J "Joe the Bum" and Sophie J Brzank nee Spisak.
She is survived by her husband Edward C Augustyn and daughter Michelle Augustyn. She was pre-deceased by her parents and infant brother Joseph Ronald Brzank.
Sandy spent her childhood growing up in the Chicago West Town Polish neighborhood, attended Carpenter and Saint Boniface Catholic grammar schools. As a young girl and teenager, Sandy loved playing 16" softball at Eckhart Park and participated on several bowling teams. After receiving her new Brunswick bowling ball, Sandy was so excited that she was hit by a car when running across the street. She was always a tomboy, exploring the streets of Chicago with a fearless spirit, playing sports, being a lifeguard at North Avenue Beach or tackling challenges head-on.
Her parents owned San Jac Movers on Racine Avenue, which also handled coal and fuel oil deliveries and a moving service. She would often laugh at the memory of the roof-top bathroom when they lived in the Milwaukee Avenue apartment above the business. In 1958 the family moved to Chestnut street, a few doors down from Saint Boniface Church. After selling the business, as home heating methods shifted in the 1950s, her father Joe managed various bowling alleys and her mother Sophie worked for the Chicago Cook County judicial office.
After graduating from Saint Boniface School in 1957 and Holy Name Cathedral High School in 1961- to the tune of a four-man band paid for by her Uncle John- Sandy earned her Registered Beauty Culturist License in 1962. She went on to work for several companies in Chicago, including Helene Curtis, Jefferson Steel, and Zenith Radio Corp. bomb division.
She and her husband, Ed, grew up in the same neighborhood, and who would have guessed that a chance meeting at a local fruit stand when they were just three years old would blossom into 60 years of marriage? On February 13, 1965 Sandy and Ed married at Saint Boniface Church, Chicago. Their adventures began with the honeymoon trip Westward, along the iconic Route 66, heading to California, Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon and Disneyland. The new couple relocated to Hirsch and Karlov, down the street from Jimmy's Hot Dogs. While raising their daughter, Michelle, Sandy pursued a career working in a private beauty salon.
In 1974 the family moved from Chicago to Villa Park, IL. Throughout her life, Sandy developed a diverse skill set. She began her career in the banking industry, where her expertise and a strong head for numbers opened the door to build a successful career as a Banking Professional for the corporate division of American Drug Stores, the parent company of OSCO Drug stores, which later became part of Albertsons Companies, until her retirement.
Sandy was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, an enthusiast of American history, and an avid traveler. She delighted in planning countless family trips, exploring historic landmarks, national parks, and hidden gems across the country, creating cherished memories along the way. Although undoubtedly a hard worker, she was always generous with family and friends and when help was needed.
Additionally, Sandy was the paternal granddaughter of Jan/John and Marianna Brzank nee Mazur who came to Chicago from Tarnów and Wola Domatkowska, Poland. Maternal granddaughter of Wladyslaw/Walter and Józefa Spisak nee Szczur who came to Belmont and Shadyside, Ohio then to Chicago from Skawinki and Lanckorona, Poland.
Our family mourns the loss of the woman we made so many wonderful memories with as she shared her talents, joy, and love with each of us.
Visitation Friday January 10, 2025, 3:00 pm - 8:00 pm, at Pedersen Ryberg Funeral Home Inc., 435 N York Road, Elmhurst, IL.
Please omit flowers.
FS PID# LRY1-YHB