Sandra Helen Jesse

Sandra Helen McArthur Jesse, born March 29, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan, passed away March 10, 2026 in Bloomington, Illinois. She was daughter of Elizabeth and A.P. McArthur. She married Kenneth E. Jesse August 28, 1959, Chicago, IL.

A University of Illinois graduate with B.A. degree in Social Studies teaching, Sandra also graduated from Chicago City Junior College and Detroit Bible College. Early dreams for missionary work led her to visit missions in Mexico, where she quickly discovered that her true gifts were better expressed through fashion, flowers, sewing, and the arts.

Sande treasured faith, family, and community. For much of her life she read several newspapers cover to cover each day — including the Wall Street Journal — and maintained an active interest in government, business, and the stock market. She was never shy about sharing her perspective and knowledge with others. She was also a talented artist and was awarded a scholarship during high school to the Art Institute of Chicago for her drawing and painting.

A dedicated volunteer, Sandra held leadership positions with the PTA, the Singing Y’ers, and Great Books program. She served many roles at the First United Methodist Church, and was a 4H leader. Because much of her work was unpaid, she frequently found herself defending the value of her contributions. However, she was proud of her role as Director of Development for the Bloomington Normal Symphony.

Sandra will be remembered for protecting and encouraging children, her life-long sharp mind and creative energy. In her 70s she founded Childhood Magazine which was distributed free to local schools. And that zeal also brought the Artist in the School Program to the B/N community. Taking painting classes again as an adult, she painted watercolors, gardened and coordinated a book club into her 90s.

She is survived by daughter, Lynn (Doug) Fewkes; son, Ralph (Gale) Jesse; grandchildren, Brian (Stephanie) Jesse, Ben, Maclyn and Sam Fewkes, Rachel and Anna Radulescu and bonus granddaughter, Alena Lancaster and great-granddaughters, Kyndall and Wrenley Fewkes.

Preceded in death by her loving husband and daughter, Leah Radulescu. And as she joins them, we will repeat back her often used good-bye: “journey mercies” Sande.

Services will be held Monday, March 16, visitation at 10:00 am and a celebration of life at 10:30 at East Lawn Funeral Home, Bloomington.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Bloomington Normal Community Bells, 3409 Stephanie Rd, Bloomington, IL 61704 to the attention of Sue Miller. Or the Sierra Club.

To share condolences with the family or view her online tribute, please visit www.eastlawnmemorial.com