Sandra Oliver-Noesen

The perseverant, original and beautiful Sandra Oliver-Noesen, most recently of St. Charles, IL, passed away of natural causes on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at the age of 87. She was the loving daughter of the late Kenneth Dean Hurst and Helen Mae (Holm) Hurst of Benton Harbor, Michigan; cherished sister of Donice Ruppel and Linda Jennings. Proud mother of son Kirk (Jan); grandson Kenny; daughter Julie (dec. 1961); son Scott (Laura), grandchildren Patrick and Julia; and daughter Kirsten (Doug) Pagacz. Preceded in death in 2009 by her husband of 25 years, Thomas L. Noesen (children: John, Scott, Mark, Judy, Tom Jr., Ray, Steve, Mary and Laura). Also preceding Sandra in death were her first husband, Gerald D. Millhouse, and former husband, Frank Oliver.

Sandra began her career as a special education teacher at Horace Mann Elementary School in Oak Park, IL. Having many distinguishable talents, she was quickly promoted to Director of Special Education for Oak Park School District 97, a position she held until her retirement in 1993.

Sandra took great pride in her family and enjoyed hearing about everyone’s successes, playing Cribbage and word games, reading the paper daily, and she loved fresh fruit of all kinds, raspberries and Rainier cherries being her favorites. She was a true role model to many - like a pearl, made from grit, but full of grace. Sandra (nicknamed “Joey,”) lost her father, Kenneth, at a very young age. Her mother later married Edward Morris, who, with Sandra’s mother, raised her as his own. Sandra will forever live in our hearts as a radiant soul.

A Memorial Service will be held in her honor at Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home, 17W201Roosevelt Road; Oakbrook Terrace, IL on Wednesday, February 16, from 4pm-8pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations appreciated to Sarah’s Inn, a shelter for women and children, of Oak Park, IL at sarahsinn.org.