Sandra Marie Luksza

Sandy was born August 6, 1946, in East St. Louis, IL to Raymond Merritt and Wanda (nee Gola) Emmrick. They preceded her in death, along with her husband, Douglas Luksza in 1999. Also preceding her in death was her granddaughter, Kimberly Hunsaker.

Sandy is survived by her children, Douglas R. (Brenda) Luksza of Granite City, IL, Christine (Dennis) Fredrick of Belleville, IL, Louis (Melissa) Luksza of Wood River, IL and Angela (Tim) Potts of Florissant, MO; six grandchildren, Douglas R. Luksza Jr., Joseph M. (Paul) Lega, Ashley (Anthony) Demetrulias, Michael Henricks, Linda L. Luksza, and Bryant J. Mitchell; nine great-grandchildren, Samantha Hunsaker, Rebecca Hunsaker, Steven Hunsaker and Jennifer Hunsaker, Dakota A. Demetrulias, Jack J. Demetrulias, Makyla Hendricks and Madalyn Hendricks; siblings, Dollie (Greg) Luksza of Imperial, MO, Rick (Sandy) Merritt of St. Louis, MO, Danny (Anna) Merritt of High Ridge, MO and Candy (Ed) Wilson of Wildwood, MO; and her beloved sisters, affectionately known as her “Ya-Yas”, including Dollie, Marcia, Kathy, Becky, Melissa and Candy.

Sandy worked as a devoted homemaker. Sandy was a woman who truly loved life and lived it to the fullest. She loved to shop, craft, and sew, always finding joy in creating something special.

She especially loved the holidays and took great pride in hosting family and friends, filling her home with laughter, good food, and wonderful memories.

Sandy also treasured her time with her Ya-ya’s, especially sharing laughs and a cold beer together. The Ya-Yas were sisters but also all very dear friends, making memories that will be treasured forever. She loved each of them dearly.

She was a member of the Moose Lodge in Cahokia, Illinois, where she enjoyed the friendships and fellowship she found there.

She leaves behind countless cherished memories that will continue to bring smiles and laughter to those who knew and loved her.

Sandy’s family is grateful to all for the love and support they’ve been shown during this time.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date. The family has trusted Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home in Belleville, IL with cremation rites.

Memorial donations in Sandy’s name may be given to the American Alzheimer’s Association or to the Parkinson’s Foundation.