Sandra 'Sandy' Zontek, 82

Our mother, sister, and grandmother, Sandra “Sandy” Zontek, passed away on Nov. 11, 2023, surrounded by family, after a long struggle with rheumatoid arthritis and related complications. She was nine days shy of her 83rd birthday. 

She was a loving mother and a caring and devoted grandmother. Her love was shown through family gatherings that always involved delicious food and crafts for the grandkids and fun for everyone. Her memory will continue with each of the family recipes that will be prepared and shared in her memory. Her notorious pies will be missed by all who tried them. 

She was a talented artist, in sculpture, drawing, and painting, and she maintained her love of art right up to the end. Her many pieces of artwork will continue to give joy as they are displayed in our homes. 

This love of art resulted in Sandy’s pursuit of a master’s degree in art therapy. With this degree she became a talented and dedicated therapist and worked with children in both clinical and school settings.

She will always be lovingly remembered for her kindness, generous spirit, and her stubborn independence. In that spirit, if you would like to make a donation in her name, please do so to your favorite children's charity. 

She is survived by her husband, Ed Sr., her sister, Sharon Cote; her son, Cris Jensen (Tania); stepsons, Ed and Ken Zontek (Trish); and stepdaughter, Shawn Shanahan (Ted); as well as her grandchildren, Andi, Sammy, Kurt, Nicholas, Jacob, Amaya, Zach, and Jason. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Annabelle Shull; her first husband, Buck Jensen; sisters, Pat and Barbara; and her grandson, Joshua Shanahan. 

At her request, there will be no funeral service. The family will gather at an appropriate time to spread her ashes in places in nature that held special meaning to her.

Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com.