Sandra A. Halstead

Sandra A. Halstead, age 81, passed away on January 17, 2026. She was born March 12, 1944, the daughter of William and Emily (Berenda) Halstead.

Sandra was born in Newton Township, Jasper County, Indiana and grew up in Mount Ayr, Indiana. She graduated in 1962 from Mount Ayr School. She earned her master's degree in mathematics with a minor in physics from Indiana State University.

Sandy taught math and physics for two years at Hanover Central High School in Cedar Lake and thirty years at North Newton Jr./Sr. High School. She experienced great joy as students mastered math and physics skills that they previously thought impossible. The pride demonstrated by students learning how to use Ohms Law to solve a Kirchhoff mesh, solve a matrix, solve a quadratic equation, learn to do proof by induction, differentiate a sine function, etc., was a great reward.

Sandy's hobbies included tending to her flower garden, monitoring the bird feeders and birdhouses in her yard. She enjoyed reading and appreciated the services provided by the Jasper County Library. She relaxed by knitting, crocheting, quilting, sewing, working on crossword puzzles, and writing letters to family and friends living a distance from Rensselaer. Sandy was also a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church.

As the family of cousins grew, she much enjoyed watching the little ones grow into mature, responsible adults. She loved being with them during holidays and birthday celebrations.

Sandy was preceded in death by maternal grandparents Anna (Dudek) and Joseph Berenda, paternal grandparents Emily Deldlee (Ascue) and Chester Halstead, parents Emily (Berenda) and William Halstead, and brother Thomas Halstead.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM CT at Jackson Funeral Chapel of Rensselaer. A funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM at the chapel with Deacon Joe Van Schapen officiating. Interment at Weston Cemetery, Rensselaer.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Augustine Catholic Church, Sandra Halstead Education Fund, or Dunns Hospice.