Sandra Brown Yakel

Sandra Brown Yakel, 49, of New Berlin, died at 9:59 p.m. on Wednesday, January 1, 2014 at Memorial Medical Center. Sandy was born March 12, 1964 in Honolulu, HI, the daughter of William Brown and Janet Cowan. She married Donald L. Yakel, Jr. on June 25, 1988 in Los Gatos, CA. Sandy was raised in Los Gatos, CA, where she graduated from Los Gatos High School, and was the power forward for the 1982 Northern California state high school basketball championship team. She received her bachelors of arts degree from the University of California at Davis, where she was also the captain of the basketball team. After graduation, Sandy worked at Harvey's Resort and Casino in Lake Tahoe, CA where she was the only left-handed Black Jack dealer. Sandy received her teaching credentials and taught elementary school in Salt Lake City, UT. She moved to Springfield in 1996 and coached many of her children's sports teams. She was an active volunteer for Pleasant Plains School District, both in the classroom and at many sporting events. Sandy was a devoted and loving mom. She was known for her kind heart and generosity. Sandy had the ability to make everyone feel special. She had a passion for entertaining and hosted numerous gatherings, including her annual mother-daughter Christmas tea. She loved the Monterey Bay, CA area, especially the beach; caring for animals; and traveling with friends and family. She was preceded in death by her father, William Brown. She is survived by her husband, Don Yakel, Jr. of New Berlin; four children, Kaylyn, Justin, Emily and Jillian Yakel, all of New Berlin; mother, Janet Cowan of Springfield; sister, Jody Brown of Sacramento, CA; mother and father-in-law, Donald and Glenda Yakel, Sr. of Folsom, CA; brothers-in-law, Robert (wife, Cindy) Yakel and Michael Yakel, all of Folsom, CA; sister-in-law, Sandra (husband, Mark) Garaventa of Petaluma, CA; nieces and nephews, Joshua, Jared and Alyssa Yakel, Edward John, Michael Donald and Alexandra Garaventa, and Dinara Brown; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and five cats and one dog. Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. Memorial Ceremony: 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 5, 2014 at First Presbyterian Church, 321 S 7th St, Springfield with Rev. David MacDonna officiating. Family will receive friends immediately following ceremonies. Memorial contributions may be made to: Pleasant Plains Athletic Booster Club, 500 N. Cartwright St., Pleasant Plains, IL 62677 or Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd., Springfield, IL 62702.