Sandra Lee Bivins

On Wednesday, March 1, 2023, Sandra L. Bivins, a beloved mother and grandmother passed away. She had just celebrated her 80th birthday. Born to Jean and Andrew Wiewiera on February 24, 1943 in Chicago, IL. Sandra attended St. Hedwig’s grade school and graduated from Jospehinum High School. She met her husband Joe P. Bivins and were married nearly 31 years before he passed away in 1997. Sandra and Joe had a set of twin daughters, Donna and Debra and their son Joseph. They lived in many locations around the world but primarily in Ft. Sheridan, Illinois for 11 years. Joe retired from the Army in 1985 and they moved to Phoenix, Arizona. Sandra had spent the last 38 years living in the Valley of the Sun.

Sandra loved being from Chicago and continued to support all the Chicago sports teams while living in Arizona. Sandra loved going to a Cubs baseball game and enjoying an authentic Chicago hotdog.

Sandra overcame many life changing obstacles throughout her lifetime. A couple of those being the loss of her vision in 1996, losing her husband in 1997 and then the devastating loss of one of her children, Donna when she was only 47. After losing her vision, Sandra became a very active member of The Arizona Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Sandra made many connections through the center, the most special being her over 20 year friendship with Robert Hazen. Sandra was also a member of The American Legion Post 44 and enjoyed spending time with her friends there.

Sandra is survived by her daughter, Debra. She is also survived by her son Joseph, his wife Elicia and their daughters, Jordan and Elliot. Anyone who knew Sandra, knew that her granddaughters were the light and joy of her life. Sandra was their biggest fan, always the most excited for any of their achievements. The life of Sandra will be celebrated on Sunday March 26, 2023 at the home of her son. Any donations on Sandra’s behalf can be made to the AZ Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired at acbvi.org.