Sandra Faye Stowers

Sandra graduated from Normal Community High School in 1955 where she was very active in many different clubs, activities, and organizations. She began working for General Telephone and Electronics Corporation’s home office in Bloomington as an executive assistant, where she met her husband Ronald Bradeen Stowers, of Springfield, IL. Sandra, her daughter Cathy, and Ron became a family when Ron and Sandra were married September 11, 1965 at First Presbyterian Church in Normal, where they were members.

In March 1970, Sandra and Ron welcomed their son Chris to the world, and as they raised their two children, she returned to the workplace in the 1980s at GTE Yellow Pages in Normal.

Sandra loved being a Grandmother and adored her granddaughter Nora. From the earliest moments, she would engage with Nora and the two would play together in deep and involved ways--Sandra was no mere observer. A lifelong avid reader and lover of film, she and her brothers and sisters,“The Todd Kids," even have their names immortalized on a seat plaque at the historic Normal Theater-the authentically restored Art Moderne movie house of her and her siblings’ youth! She had broad tastes in music, and would always entertain new music with an open mind and heart for all types. She loved her pets, and was an advocate for animal rights.

After retirement, both Sandra and Ron enjoyed several winters in Sarasota, FL., socializing with family and friends.

Sandra lived her life steeped in deep empathy for her fellow humans, and all animals. Her strong sense of family was so much of who she was, and over the many years her home remained the welcome gathering place for 4 generations of extended family.

She was sensitive to injustices in her own backyard and globally. She loved God and always brought a patient and non-judgemental ear to others’ perspectives with a willingness to learn. Her great sense of humor brought much laughter to her home, especially when her sisters and family would visit.

Sandra was preceded in death by her beloved husband Ron in 2007, her parents, in-laws, Lester B. and Ruby M. Stowers; aunts Estella Gentry, Delia Bobell, and Freda DeMent; brothers David and Gordon Todd, sister Betty Kashner; brother-in-laws David Kashner, Jack Harman, Roger Schumacher, John Fippinger, Arne Mayala; and sister-in-laws Nancy Schumacher, Judy Harman, and Judi Stowers.

She is survived by her daughter, Catherine Renee Stowers of Normal; son Christopher Bradeen Stowers (wife, Lisa), granddaughter Nora Audrey Bradeen Stowers, all of Oak Park, IL; Sisters Carol Mayala of Stillwater, MN. and Sharon Fippinger of Sarasota, FL; two brother-in-laws, Donald Stowers of Chatham and Jerre Stowers of Divernon; sister-in-laws Carol Todd Smith, and Janet Todd; and many nieces and nephews.

There are no words to express the great loss felt by the family, and we are grateful Sandra's earthly physical struggles are over and she is now at peace.

A Celebration Of Life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation in her name may be sent to Caring Angels At Bortell Animal Hospital, in Bloomington, IL (309-662-3633).