Sandra A. (Dzurka) Van Aanhold

Sandra went home to be with the Lord on Monday, July 10, 2023 at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan at the age of 83. She was born on September 3, 1939 in Bay City to the late William and Frances (Zielinski) Dzurka.

Sandra was a caregiver at a young age after her father was injured in an explosion at Dow Chemical. Her mother ran the farm and she cared for her younger siblings. She graduated salutatorian from Visitation High School in 1957. Sandra married her husband, James, on September, 17, 1960. They shared 62 years of love, faith and family. She was a lifelong member of St. Gabriel (St. Joseph) Catholic Church. She worked while raising her family at Dow Chemical, Brian Kennedy Attorney and retired from Dow Corning.

Sandra lived her life with a strong faith and quiet strength. Her favorite time of the year was Christmas, she loved to shower her family with gifts. Family dinners were often; she was proud of the closeness we shared. Sandra loved playing and winning at cards with her family and friends. She loved gardening and took great pride in her flower gardens. She was often busy sending cards and notes to loved ones. She was a faithful Tigers fan, never losing hope for a win. She loved to read and would often be found at the table with tea and a newspaper.

Sandra is survived by her husband of 62 years, James Van Aanhold; daughter, Lori Hockman; sons, Mark Van Aanhold and Paul (Korina) Van Aanhold; granddaughter, Jessica Rolfe and her husband Aaron Roznowski; step-grandson, Tyler Lenhardt; siblings, Mary Jane Williams, Paulette (Joseph) Gillman, Robert (Jan) Dzurka and Clarice (Paul) Ventrone; sister-in-law’s, Robbin Dzurka and Judy Badour and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her father and mother-in-law, Albert and Irene Van Aanhold and brothers, Richard Dzurka and Jeffrey Dzurka.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to the University of Michigan Ann Arbor SICU Unit, who provided compassionate, top-level care during her stays. They would also like to say thank you to all the family and friends that kept her in their prayers.

Funeral Service for Sandra will take place on Monday, July 17, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Gabriel Parish - St. Joseph Church with interment to follow at St. Anthony Cemetery. The family will be present to receive visitors on Monday at the Church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.