Sandra Jean Stachula

Sandra Jean (Jensen) Stachula entered eternal life at the age of 83 on November 5th, 2025. A woman of unwavering faith and an extraordinary heart is now with the loved ones who went before her.
Sandy, as people affectionately called her, was born on February 18th, 1942, to Harold and Inga (Nelson) Jensen. She was the second of four children who grew up in Winnetka Il. She felt very fortunate to grow up next door to her paternal grandparents who she loved so much. Some special childhood memories for Sandy were visiting her grandpa Nelson's farm in Wisconsin with her siblings and cousins or going with her father who was a health inspector, to inspect farms. Her love of animals stemmed from these adventures.
Sandy graduated from New Trier East High School in 1960. She attended Emporia State University for a little while and then decided to come home and marry her high school sweetheart. Sandy and Richard Lyons married in 1961. They had three children, Donna, Michael, and Douglas. She devoted herself to being a mom. Actively involved in school functions, sports, clubs, and the many interests her children had. She created a fun, loving, secure home with plenty of encouragement. Sandy and Richard were married until 1971. They remained friendly through the years.
In the early 70's she met "the love of her life" Donald Stachula through a mutual friend. They married in 1976 and together created a life of love, laughter, and adventures. They took many vacations around the world, sailed on their boat, spent time at their places in Wisconsin and Florida, enjoyed music, dining out, riding bikes, playing cards, or just sitting at home and being with family and friends. They created many fond and cherished memories for everyone around.
When Sandy was in her 40's she decided to change careers. She quit her office job and went back to college to obtain a degree in nursing. She graduated with a straight A average at the top of her class and passed the state nursing exam with flying colors becoming a Registered Nurse, specializing in oncology. She worked at Evanston and Glenbrook hospitals for 10+ years, then became a part time hospice nurse until she retired in her 60's.
Sandy met many people through her life's journey. Everlasting friends from her youth. Friends in bell choir and choir at church, the Red Hat Society, The Village Singers, playing cards at the clubhouse, the list goes on and on. She dearly loved her brothers Jerry and John, her sister Karen, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, son-in-law, daughters-in-law, 6 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and all the precious animals she had along the way. She lived life with a big heart, a beautiful smile, and a lot of love for everyone she met on her journey. Words cannot express how deeply she will be missed.
Sandy is survived by her husband of 49 yrs. Donald Stachula, Children: Donna (Jim) Blanchard, Michael (Sherry) Lyons, Douglas (Heather) Lyons, Sister: Karen (David) Carlsen, Grandchildren: Alison (Jason) Opiela, James (Hannah) Blanchard, Jennifer (Tom) Savoca, Jackie Lyons, and Ted Sweeney. 3 Great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and her beloved maltese Trixie.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Harold and Inga, Brothers: Jerry and John Jensen, Brother-in-law: James Anderson, Sisters-in-law: Arlene Jensen and Anne Jensen, and her precious grandson Christopher Michael Lyons.
"A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again" – Maya Angelou
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11am, November 22nd, 2025 Grace Lutheran Church 2245 Walters Ave. Northbrook, IL. 60062
In lieu of flowers/memorial gifts, please consider donating in Sandy's name to: www.stjude.org or the cancer organization of your choice. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. With much love, Sandra J. Stachula's Family