Sandra Begin, in the presence of her family, passed away peacefully while being treated at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston TX on May 12 2017. She fought valiantly a very aggressive form of leukemia.

Sandra and her family relocated to Hudson WI in 1994 when her husband John accepted a position with Northwest Airlines. She was accompanied by her 3 children; Danielle, Tyler and Kurtis. They purchased a home at 834 Kelly Road which was her residence until her treatment began 2016. Finding a cure led to residing in Rochester MN and temporarily in Houston, TX.

Sandra, a woman of many interests and talents, most enjoyed bringing joy and happiness to others. She was quick to laugh and reluctant to judge. Always there to lend a hand or offer support she made many friends. Her love of horses led to the building of barns and fencing of paddocks and the establishment of Windancer stables. Her talent with sewing produced numerous clever costumes for grandchildren and friends.

Born in Williamstown, Vermont Sandra completed her primary and secondary education there. She graduated from Champlain College in 1974 and was married to John in 1976. Prior to moving to Hudson, Sandra and her family resided in Williston, VT. While there, Sandra owned and operated a business, Sanderson’s Drapery Shop. She made many custom draperies for numerous interior decorators throughout the region.

Sandra was an active outdoors person with passions for kayaking and wildlife photography. When she decided to build a photo library, she discovered she had taken more than sixty thousand photos. She particularly enjoyed the Willow River State Park and the Willow River as a kayaking venue. She also enjoyed travelling the roads and byways, especially in her black VW beetle with the top down.

Challenges did not intimidate Sandra, she just got things done. Whether swinging a hammer, driving fence posts, operating tractors and farming equipment, or setting off for a destination half way across the country driving the pick-up and towing a large horse trailer she was always wearing a smile. She had an uncanny ability to live in the moment and extract every ounce of enjoyment possible.

Though very talented the most important thing in her life was family; children, grandchildren, her Parents and siblings and her nieces and nephews. She shared the happiness and bore the sorrows of family with the same intensity. Always there to celebrate the best of times and there to give strength to others during the more difficult times.

Sandra is preceded in death by her father Harland Storrs Jr., her mother Eleanor Storrs and her sister Carolyn Edwards.

She is blessed with two granddaughters, Olivia Koeppen and Amelia Koeppen, children of her daughter Danielle and husband Karl Koeppen who reside in the Amery, WI area. She has two brothers; Mike Storrs and his wife Tess in Richmond, VT. And, Gary Storrs and his wife Susan in Williamstown, VT. Her sons, Tyler Begin and Kurtis (fiancé, Melissa) Begin reside in Hudson, WI. She has several nieces and nephews who reside in various eastern states.

Born January 17, 1953 Sandra spent 64 years 3 months and 25 days in our earthly realm. She has joined parents, relatives and friends to experience the eternal peace, love and joy in the grace and presence of our Lord. She was loved by all and will be sorely missed.

A ceremony to celebrate the life of Sandra Storrs Begin will be held 11:00 am Saturday, June 3, 2017 at the Hudson United Methodist Church located at 1401 Laurel Avenue, Hudson, WI. A gathering of family and friends will take place 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Friday, June 2, 2017 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 South Eleventh Street, Hudson, WI, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. In remembrance of Sandra, memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society.