Sandra Sandy O. Orr Sorensen

Sandra Orr Sorensen (Jane) Sandra (Sandy) Orr Sorensen, a longtime resident of Waukegan, Illinois passed away on November 12, 2010 in Evanston, Illinois with her stepson Larry by her side. Sandy was born on September 3, 1919 in McGregor Iowa to Gus Burns and Elizabeth Stone Burns. She was raised a majority of her childhood by B.K and Catherine Orr, her adoptive parents in Waukon, Iowa. Her fond memories as a child were of them and her mother. Sandy was a graduate of the University of Iowa and a member of their alumni association. Sandy worked many years as a nurse in Iowa before coming to Waukegan, Illinois to work for the Jacob Blumberg Memorial Blood Bank. She was the Director of the Blood Bank for many decades. Her dedication to the Blood Bank awarded her with numerous awards and accolades. When looking at her many years as Director of the Blood Bank, we can only think of the many lives she helped to save by her dedicated work. After her retirement from the Blood Bank, she went to work for Dr. Walter Fried in Gurnee, Illinois and as an election judge in Lake County, Illinois for many years. Sandy spent numerous years in volunteer work. She was a volunteer at Vista East (Victory) Hospital Gift Shop, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and the COOL Food Pantry. Sandra was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Waukegan, Illinois. Sandra enjoyed many cats during her life. (Sam, Daffy, Hillary, Pepper and Keeley) Her hobbies were gardening, knitting, cross word puzzles and she was an avid bird watcher. Sandy is survived by her stepsons Larry Sorensen of Evanston, Illinois and Robert (Robbi Ann) Sorensen of Lindon, Utah. Sandy is also survived by longtime friends, June Mackey and John Peterson of Waukegan, Illinois. She is also survived by five step grandchildren (Jeffrey (Alexis) Sorensen, Alicia (Matthew) Henderson, Kara Sorensen, Mariane Sorensen and Michael Sorensen, one step great grandson (Daniel Sorensen) and several nieces and nephews. Sandy was proceeded in death by her husband, Engberg (Enky) Sorensen in 1986, sisters Bette Rissman, Sharon Borree and brother, Richard Orr. Many thanks to those who cared for Sandy during the past years. Dr. M. Sekaharan, Meals on Wheels from Catholic Charities, The Staff at Barton Assisted Living and Rolling Hills Manor in Zion, Illinois, The Staff at The Mather Pavilion of Evanston, Illinois, Midwest Hospice Care Center and her kind neighbors in Waukegan, Illinois. A celebration memorial service of Sandy's life will be held at Trinity United Lutheran Church, 658 Grand Avenue, Waukegan, Illinois, 60085 on Saturday, December 11, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Burial services for Sandy are private. Memorial donations may be made in Sandy's name to the Trinity United Lutheran Church, 658 Grand Avenue, Waukegan, Illinois, 60085 or Save-A-Pet Adoption Center, 31664 North Fairfield Road, Grayslake, Illinois, 60030.