Sandra Roots Obituary
Sandra Kay Roots (née Heisner) born March 30th, 1952 to parents Robert (deceased 1971) and Beverly (deceased 2022). She passed away unexpectedly on Sunday December 18th with her loving family by her side.
Sandy was a graduate of Joliet West class of 1970 and Joliet Junior College School of Nursing. Sandy began her dream job as a pediatric nurse at Silver Cross Hospital in 1972. She remained a dedicated and faithful employee there for 50 years until she was called to rest. She was a beloved House Supervisor who knew the answer to any question and the solution to any problem. She was respected by all her co-workers who describe her as “the best of the best”.
Sandy married her one and only childhood sweetheart, Steve, at St. Peter Lutheran Church on June 30th, 1973. From this union they brought into the world their adored children Mike Roots (Amanda), Lisa Odeshoo (Mike) and Kara Jolley (Bill). Sandy leaves many to mourn her passing including cousins, nephews, nieces and 6 grandchildren: Riley, Delainey, Jocelyn, Corinne Roots, Andrew Odeshoo and Cailyn Jolley, and her sister Cindi Goron (Dennis and children Kyle, Connor and Chloe)
Sandy loved watching the sunset over Lake Greenfield at “The Land” where she spent every weekend at her dream home on the lake. Her summers were split between her affection of the lake and swimming with family at the pool. Her fondness of flowers was eye catching the moment you stepped into her back yard and she delighted in being outside in the sun. Sandy cherished spending time with family most of all and will be missed beyond words. Funeral Services will be held Friday December 23, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home, with Rev. David Totsky officiating. Interment Woodlawn Memorial Park. Visitation Friday morning 9:00 a.m. until time of services.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in honor of Sandy to the newly established Sandy Roots Memorial Nursing Scholarship. Please follow the link below and be sure to write her name, after clicking on “Tribute gift” and “in memory of” Sandy Roots Memorial Nursing Scholarship (https://www.silvercross.org/giving/ways-to-give/donate-now/).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
People and places connected with Sandra
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Recent Obituaries
Rudy & Bev Mejia
December 26, 2022
Steve so sorry for the loss of your wife Sandy. I pray that God will give you and your family rest and wrap his arms around you at this trying time of your life...
Lynn Litwicki
December 23, 2022
I loved this lady so much. She helped with everyone. My whole family loved her. She was there for Dorothy when she had heart failure. My mom dying in the hall. She got her a room and helped me get her in literally. On a beautiful note Sandy was amazing. At the old hospital she would to different departments and pass out goodies. She would come in to Telecom and use our phone and say hi also sometimes bring a treat. God bless you Sandy. Time to rest. Tell my mom and husband hi. Love LynnLitwicki and family. Xxxooo
Tom and Paula Narducci
December 23, 2022
Steve, please accept our condolences. What a special woman she was for Silver Cross, the community, you and your family. We will keep your family in our prayers. God bless. Sandy, rest in peace
Bill Disera
December 23, 2022
My deepest condolences to the entire Roots Family. Sandra's heart was kind and loving. May God bless her with eternal peace.
Bill Disera
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Laurie Ramsey
December 22, 2022
I was fortunate to work with Sandy at Silver Cross. She was such an amazing nurse and so devoted to the patients and staff. I hope all the happy memories remain in your heart and give you comfort. So sorry for your loss.
Pellie Williams
December 22, 2022
Sending my sincere Condolences to all the family..
Jackie and Stan Martin
December 22, 2022
Sandy, I will always remember how often I called you for advice when my children were sick. I called you "Doctor Sandy". Because of your love of children my family has made a donation in your name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Erika m
December 20, 2022
Sandy was my supervisor for over a year at silver cross. She was always so kind to everyone. My condolences go to her friends and family. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Ann Carpenter
December 20, 2022
Sandy Roots was just that, the roots of Silver Cross, as the most dedicated person I have ever met!! Sandy was always there to field questions or concerns and never refused a challenge. As she trained me as a House Supervisor, I told her `you could have told me to bring my roller skates to keep up with you!´ She was in constant motion to be sure everyone was covered and cared for!
Your Spirit will be missed by all those who knew you Sandy, and a you´ll be an unimaginable giant to those who hear stories about you; because you truly were unbelievable
To the Roots Family, Thank you for sharing your gift with all of us! She told us about you with all the love and pride in her heart; her grandchildren gave her eyes a special twinkle. We will miss her but know your hearts will never be the same! She will be with you always, as you were with her!!
Angela M.
December 20, 2022
It is with a very sad heart of the loss of my supervisor Sandy she was an awesome supervisor I will truly miss her she was GREAT NOT ONLY AT her job but with people! Rest in heaven Sandy your work is done here !! To her family and friends I will keep you all in my prayers in the days to come because only GOD can give this kind of peace !
Mary Bakken
December 20, 2022
Sandy was one of a kind. Full of energy and limitless dedication. As Dir of the Nursing Supervisors, she worked tirelessly to create access for patients, and in that capacity served the entire community. I worked with her for 15 years- just a portion of her many years at Silver. I´m better for having worked by her side. Enjoy heaven, Sandy. We all will miss you but never forget you.
Jeanne (Woodman) Pearson
December 20, 2022
I am so saddened to learn of Sandy´s sudden passing. We started working 3-11 pediatrics together in the early 70´s, and worked together for many years. I truly enjoyed working with her and valued her friendship. I offer my sincerest sympathies and prayers for her family and coworkers.
Michelle Reavis
December 20, 2022
My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends. Sandy was a great nurse, educator, supervisor, and mentor. She always had a smile on her face and an upbeat personality. She will be missed.
Alyssa Meek
December 20, 2022
She will be sorely missed! Prayer´s & strength to her friends and family. I will always remember her and the help she gave me on the journey to become a nurse as an SNA
Deborah Jancaric
December 20, 2022
She will ALWAYS walk the halls of Silver Cross Hospital. Her zest for life, her smile, always made you feel like you were absolutely the most important person at that moment. Supportive and compassionate--the ideal nurse you ever created. It´s time for her to be house supervisor within the clouds. It´s time to share her with the angels; she´ll fit right in!
Adriana C.
December 20, 2022
Sandy was an amazing person. She was always smiling and had the best personality. I loved working for her as an SNA. I cannot believe she is gone. Silver will not be the same without her. She will definitely be missed.
Jan Drews
December 20, 2022
Sandy was great to work with and I enjoyed her for the 20 years we worked together. She will be missed by everyone that she touched her smile with.
Ceci Hall
December 20, 2022
Sandy was such a great house supervisor to me when I became an SNA many moons ago. She was always so kind. I know how much she will be missed!
Matthew Martin
December 19, 2022
One of many great memories with this amazing lady! She´s one of the reasons my childhood was filled with great experiences and memories! You truly were one of the most caring and loving humans on the planet! Thank you for all the memories! Love you Aunt Sandy! Kumbaya, my lord, Kumbaya!
Sheri cleary
December 19, 2022
I will for sure it´s her she was the best if you had questions she had an answer she always asked us to stay come in early anything we could to get shifts covered. Her guidance for the snas was so awesome everyone looked up to her and everyone always said yes to her, you just couldnt tell her no. R.I.P. Sandy you will be surely missed!
Sheri Cleary
cna/clerk
Mimma Morey
December 19, 2022
I have worked with Sandy for many years at Silver Cross. My heart has been so saddened at her sudden loss. To you her family she was such an awesome house supervisor, she was always so helpful and kind. She was always someone I could call when I needed help. I considered her not only a colleague but my friend. I just cannot wrap my head around her sudden loss. I will keep Sandy and all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Please know how much she was loved and will be so greatly missed.
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