Sandra Lee "Sandy" DeGraw

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Sandra Lee DeGraw, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who left us on September 11, 2025, in McHenry, IL. She was born on January 7, 1943, in Harvard, IL. Sandy brought warmth and joy to everyone around her. She spent nearly 60 years married to the love of her life, Kenneth DeGraw. Together they created a life filled with love that will be remembered for generations.

Sandy will be forever remembered for her love of family and her special way of connecting with her loved ones. Her daughter, Dana Pedersen, cherished every moment they spent together. Sandy took immense joy in being a grandmother, particularly through her playful and imaginative storytelling, crafting enchanting tales of Shelby and Sally with her granddaughter, Lindsay. Her great-grandson, Killian, always had a smile on his face when he devoured the yummy snacks she made just for him. Sandy was selfless, always putting others before herself, and her family knew they could count on her for anything. She loved reading and had an endless passion for the ocean, frequently visiting Myrtle Beach for it's beauty and relaxing sounds.

"Thank you for everything, grandma. I love you, always and forever."

Sandy is survived by her daughter: Dana (Kenneth) Pedersen; her grandchildren: Patrick Pedersen, Lindsay Garmon (Adam Oaks), and Amanda Nolan; her great-grandchildren: Killian and Cassian; her sisters: Sharon and Shirley; and her son-in-law: Rick Nolan.

She was preceded in death by her husband: Kenneth DeGraw and her daughter: Dawnel Nolan.

"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."

- Winnie the Pooh