Sandy Hansen

Sandra Diane Erdman began her life on May 26, 1944 as the first of four children born to Richard and Dorothy (Cushing) Erdman of Onekama, MI. She grew up in the bustling household of a cherry and fruit farming family and graduated from Onekama High before continuing her education at Ferris State University. She took her first job at Canton, Rosenbaum, & Lillie in Grand Rapids as a secretary for the CPAs. This decision led her to meet the love of her life! She and Dick dated for six months before deciding they couldn't live without each other and married in December of 1964.

Their life together began in Whitmore Lake, with Sandy getting her PHT (Putting Hubby Through) working at Bendix Aerospace Systems and Dick getting his degrees at U of M. In May of 1967 Rick blessed their lives as their first born son. Beth joined the family in October of 1968 after they moved back to Grand Rapids.

Sandy and her young family next enjoyed living in Fort Collins, CO, for two years with Dick working at Colorado State University and Sandy taking care of the home front. Sandy enjoyed her time at home with Rick & Beth until they started school. In '74 the Hansen's picked up again and moved back to MI, this time to Allendale where Sandy worked part-time at GVSU. In '79 Kristi was born and completed the family.

Sandy also volunteered for West Michigan Environmental Action Council, contributing to the organization for many years. Her love of nature and birds also showed in her involvement with the Audubon Society and is part of the legacy she leaves her children and grandchildren whom she taught to appreciate nature.

Travel was another of Sandy's passions. After Dick retired in 1995, they took the opportunity to explore this Big Blue Marble. She also made several trips with her Mom, helping her enjoy different parts of our world.

She may not have seen all Seven Wonders of the World, but she was so very attuned to appreciating the wonder of Life. She was well known by family and friends for her ever-present smile and caring, compassionate ways.

Sandy was preceded in death by her father Richard Erdman. She is survived by Dick, her loving husband of 49 years, her mother Dorothy Erdman, and her children Rick (Amy) Hansen, Beth (Alexis Barthelay) Hansen and Kristi (Ben) Agnew; eleven grandchildren Aspen, Jacob, Annika, Joshua, Jeremiah, Elana, Thomas, Raphael, Alisandra, Emily and Hugo; siblings Barb Peterson, Doug(Jacque) Erdman and Greg(Debbie) Erdman and eight nieces and nephews.

Memorial visitation with the family will be held from 2-4PM and 6-8PM, Friday, January 17, 2014 at Cook Funeral Home (West Building), 4235 Prairie SW, Grandville, MI. Memorial services will be at 11AM on Saturday, January 18, 2014 at First Park Congregational Church-10 E. Park Pl. NE, Grand Rapids, MI with Rev. Todd Allan Petty officiating. In honor of Sandy, contributions may be made to Kent County Parks Foundation, P.O. Box 230165, Grand Rapids, MI 49523 or John Ball Zoo Society, P.O. Box 2506, Grand Rapids, MI 49501-2506. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcares.com.

Visitation January 17, 2014 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Cook Funeral Home-Grandville (West Building) 4235 Prairie Street S.W. Grandville, MI

Memorial Service January 18, 2014 11:00 AM First Park Congregational Church 10 E. Park Place N.E. Grand Rapids, MI

Lunch Following Service Saturday January 18 2014 Sunnybrook Country Club 624 Port Sheldon S.W. Grandville, MI