Sandra Olsonawski, 76
Sandra Layne (Overend) Olsonawski, 76, of Federal Way, Wash., passed away peacefully on the morning of Oct. 17, 2022.
Sandy was born May 27, 1946, in Hallock, Minn., to Robert and Danna (Mueller) Overend. Sandy grew up there with her brother Pat and sisters Terry and Peggy. After graduation from Hallock High School in 1964, she went to Moorhead College for nursing. While working at Kittson Memorial Hospital, she met Richard A. Olsonawski and married July 22, 1967. Their children are Stephanie and Troy. Sandy and Richard both worked for Motor Coach Industries until they moved to Washington in 1981. Sandy then had a few odd jobs until she went to work for Boeing until her retirement at 65. She spent her entire career in the wiring/electrical departments and as a quality control inspector.
She always took her career seriously, but her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her biggest passions! She loved watching her grandchildren play sports, especially the Laurel Dodgers. Mom and dad continued to watch Mariner baseball all the time. Her other big passion was watching Troy drag race his 1966 Malibu station wagon. She has been a cheerleader for not only family but anyone that just needed an ear or support somehow. Everyone was welcome to get fed food, love and hugs! Sandy has spent the last several winters in Arizona with Richard playing dominos, attending some dedicated events, family functions and breakfasts.
She is survived by: her husband of 55 years, Richard; daughter, Stephanie (Dave Cortese) Olsonawski, Laurel, Mont.; son, Troy (Tara Finke) Olsonawski, Federal Way; sisters, Terry (David) Lambert, Lake Stevens Wash., Peggy Layne, St. Cloud, Minn.; two grandchildren, Garrett and Kenneth; and four greatgrandchildren, Garrett, Kao, Shayla and Zaylen.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Pat.
The family would love to extend our most grateful appreciation of taking care of our beloved Sandy; St. Vincent emergency department, cardiac team, oncology unit, our amazing Laurel EMT’s and mostly for Riverstone Hospice. Thank you everyone who helped support US too … you ARE loved! If I forgot anyone, I apologize.
Funeral services will be held Monday, Aug. 21 at 11 a.m. in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Hallock. Interment in Greenwood Cemetery, Hallock.
Visitation will be held at the church for one hour prior to the service.
Austin Funeral Chapel, Hallock, is in charge of the arrangements. www. austinfuneralchapel.com.
