Sandra L. Podlasek, 72, of Sanibel Island, FL, Baileys Harbor, WI and Crystal Lake, IL died on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at the Health Park Medical Center, Fort Myers, FL after a courageous 48 day battle in the surgical intensive care unit.
She was born on December 3, 1942 in Danville, IL, daughter of Carl E. and Elaine A. (Staubus) Erickson. After growing up and attending grade school and high school in Hoopeston, IL, she graduated from S.I.U. Carbondale, IL in 1965.
Elementary education was her profession, and she taught at various schools including 5th grade for more than 20 years at Prairie Grove School District #46 in Crystal Lake, IL before retiring.
Her passions were her family, reading, walking on the beach, drawing, working in her flower garden and playing drums. She was also an excellent photographer of animals, nature and landscapes, with her loyal sheltie (Bailey) always by her side.
She is survived and deeply missed by her husband of 49 years, Carl J. Podlasek, her sons, John (Karen) Podlasek and Brian (Elke) Podlasek, her grandchildren, Erik, Jack, Amanda and Kristina Podlasek, her sister, Pamela Chouinard, her brother, Gary (Nancy) Erickson and many nieces and nephews, along with the many friends she made during her wonderful 72 years.
A memorial gathering was held for family and friends with a sunset toast to her life Wednesday, April 29, 2015 on Sanibel beach, one of her favorite places in the world.
Additional memorials will be held on Saturday, May 16 2015 from 2:00-6:00 pm at Querhammer & Flagg Funeral Home, 500 W Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake, IL 60014, along with another in Baileys Harbor, WI at a date yet to be determined.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the charity of your choice in her name, or to the National MS Society at P.O. Box 4527, New York, NY 10163.
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