Sandra Turk

Born in Decatur, IL as Sandra Lee Maynard on March 19, 1939 to parents Carl & Doris Maynard, "Sandy" lived a full and happy life - rich in family love, robust health, career endeavors, travel, various hobbies, and an overall zeal for every day happiness of which few of us are capable. Sandy embraced the treasures of her childhood growing up a "country girl" and cherished her relationships with her siblings: Sharon (Thom) England - Florida, Robert (Becky) Maynard - Decatur, Pam (Ed) Hawley - North Carolina, and Penny Williamson - Decatur. Sandy married Ronald Turk (deceased in 2005) in 1959 and would share 45 years of marriage with the love of her life. Sandy is survived by their three children and their families: Donald (RaeAnn) Turk - Lebanon, IN, Geoff (Sandy) Turk - Yorkville, IL, and Leslie (Ray) LaMarca - Pingree Grove, IL. Six grandchildren thankfully had the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful relationship with Sandy and will miss their Grandma tremendously: Kimberly Turk, Kari Turk, Kory Turk, Nigel Turk, Livia LaMarca, and Landon LaMarca.Sandy worked twice in her lifetime at Sears (Decatur), both as a very young woman and again many years later as an "empty nester." She retired from Sears the second time after 10 years. Typical retirement didn't agree with Sandy's natural high energy level and she was soon employed again by Target (Decatur). Sandy retired from 10 years at Target in 2015. Although her children loved to tease her about her frequent "Employee of the Month" awards, they were very proud of her and in awe of her ambition and dedication. Sandy also loved to channel her energy and enthusiasm into various hobbies including gardening, knitting/needlecrafts, her pets, and just about anything nature-related. Sandy was also an avid reader and frequently visited one of her favorite places in Decatur - the public library. Sandy and Ron traveled the country extensively through the years in their various motorhomes and had the opportunity to explore many places together. However, first and foremost in their heart and at the core of all of their most cherished family memories, were their trips to the Northwoods of northern Minnesota. Sandy passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at age 77. Those who knew Sandy admired (and maybe sometimes feared) her feisty spirit, fierce loyalty, and never-ending passion for the people and places she loved most in this world. Sandy will be truly and dearly missed by many. The family has chosen to host a private celebration of Sandy's life. In remembrance and in honor of a few of her passions, donations can be made to the following organizations:Friends of the Decatur Public Library (www.friendsdpl.org)Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness (www.friends-bwca.org) "
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