Sandra Wesley

Sandra Lee Bridget Morgan Wesley, 81 years old, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2025, in the presence of her family in Nashville, Tennessee. Sandra was born February 6, 1943, in Bristol, England, and lived in London with her parents, Philip and Maryanne Noel Morgan, and sister Dawn (Conway), all of whom survived the Blitzkrieg during World War II. Sandra carried the resilience and strength from those formative years throughout the rest of her life. She resided in Mount Juliet, Tennessee with her family after living in Chicago and environs after coming to the United States in 1972 to work at the Wesley-Jessen contact lens company. Her husband, Dr. Newton K. Wesley, preceded her in death. She is survived by her children: Morgan Wesley (Yaira Landa Alarcon), Shona Wesley, Justine Altman (Austin), Jenna Williams (Kevin), and Taylor Wesley (Viviana); her stepson, Roy Wesley (Mark Weber); and her stepdaughter-in-law, Victoria Granacki, wife of the late Lee Wesley. Sandra is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Nathaniel Wesley, Josephine Altman, Malakai Altman, Emma Wesley, and Rafe Wesley; as well as her step-grandchildren: Matthew Wesley (Sara), Monica Wesley (Rob Westerholm), Royce Wesley (Kathleen Hazard), and Craig Wesley (Yumi Yahiro). Sandra will be remembered for her warmth, her unwavering support for her family, and the joy she brought to those around her. She was not only a mother to her surviving children but a mother to all that entered her home. She always saw the good in every soul and welcomed them into the Wesley family with open arms. Sandra was raised and educated in London and found employment at the London office of Wesley-Jessen where she met the founder and contact lens pioneer, Dr. Newton K. Wesley. In time, they developed a loving relationship. She moved to Chicago and the couple were married on May 1, 1974. Sandra and Newton built a life rich in adventure, raising their five children in Chicago and Northbrook, Illinois. They traveled the world together, combining business with a shared passion for innovation and education in the field of vision care. Sandra was a proud Londoner at heart. She never lost her distinctive English accent, which became a beloved hallmark of her personality. Her British heritage was reflected in her love of tea, gardening, and her fondness for animals, particularly the many pets who enriched her life. Sandra also enjoyed sharing stories of her life in England, her travels, and her experiences raising a lively and loving family.

A celebration of Sandra's life will be held in the Chicagoland area in the near future, an updated obituary will be run in the Chicago Tribune with date, time, and location for the celebration of Sandra's life. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Dr. Newton K. Wesley Foundation Fund in Sandra’s memory, reflecting her work for better vision and her commitment to making the world a better place, or to a charity of your choosing. Sandra will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all whose lives she touched.