Sandra Szalkowski
November 14, 1945 ~ February 4, 2024
Sandra Kay Szalkowski age 78 of Nashua, IA, died Sunday, February 4, 2024, at Cedar Vale Assisted Living in Nashua.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 10, 2024, at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Nashua, IA, with Rev. Tom Heathershaw celebrating the Mass.
Friends may greet the family 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 9, 2024, at Hugeback - Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory - Olson Chapel in Nashua. Visitation continues an hour prior to Mass at the church on Saturday.
Hugeback - Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory - Olson Chapel in Nashua have been entrusted with arrangements.
Born on November 14, 1945, in Hampton, Iowa, to Hio and Esther (Willand) Bodde. Sandra's life was a testament to her enduring kindness and dedication to nurturing the minds and hearts of those around her.
Sandra's journey began in the small town of Hampton, where her youthful curiosity and love of learning set the stage for what would become a lifelong commitment to education. After completing her Bachelor's degree in education, she embarked on a remarkable 34-year career as a beloved third-grade teacher in New Hampton. Sandra's classroom was a place of discovery and growth, where she imparted not only knowledge but also the values of thoughtfulness and generosity that she embodied so fully.
Beyond the classroom, Sandra was an active and cherished member of the PEO and St. Elizabeth Circle, where her gentle spirit and wise counsel were a source of comfort and inspiration to many. Her involvement in these organizations was a reflection of her commitment to community and her unwavering support for the empowerment of others.
Sandra's interests took her far beyond the familiar landscapes of Iowa. Each summer, she eagerly anticipated traveling, with a particular fondness for Washington D.C. Her family fondly recalls how, despite her mild protests, she was swept up in the excitement of exploring historical sites. These adventures became cherished memories, woven into the fabric of their shared history.
At home, Sandra's heart was most content when surrounded by her family. She and her late husband Paul Szalkowski (married November 28, 1968), who predeceased her in 2008, raised two sons, Jeffrey and Shawn, instilling in them the values she held dear. Sandra's role as a grandmother was one she embraced with joy. The time spent with her grandchildren, especially making salsa, was filled with laughter and the simple pleasures of togetherness.
Those who knew Sandra will remember her for the thoughtful gestures, the gentle encouragement, and the generous spirit that she extended to all. Her presence was a comforting embrace, a quiet strength that uplifted and supported those around her.
Sandra's legacy is one of love, a love that was evident in every aspect of her life. From the countless students whose lives she shaped, to the family she nurtured with such care, to the community she served with such passion, Sandra's impact will be felt for generations to come.
Sandra is survived by her sons: Jeffrey Szalkowski of Peosta and Shawn (Karen) Szalkowski of Indianola; grandchildren: Sam and Cassie.
She is preceded in death by her parents Hio and Esther (Willand) Bodde and husband Paul Szalkowski.
The family would like to thank the staff at Ceder Vale in Nashua, St. Croix Hospice, and many neighbors for their help and support through the years.
In lieu of flowers please send memorials directed to the Paul Szalkowski Memorial Fund.
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Our sympathy to the family!
Sympathy and prayers to the family.
Thoughts and prayers to you all at this difficult time. We will miss her both as a neighbor and friend. Many fond memories of your dad and mom living in our neighborhood. 🙏🙏❤️
Sandy and Paul moved into the Nashua Community in the early 70’s. It didn’t take long for them to have such a positive impact on the community. Many children Benefited from the positive effects Sandy and Paul had on them. It Could have happened in the classroom, religion teaching, programs or clubs for the adolescence or through private contacts.
Jeff and Shawn can be rest assured they were dearly loved and appreciated and your families accept all the sympathy and prayers bestowed your way.
Duenda Leonard Zwanziger
Jeff and Shawn, I am heartbroken to hear about your mom. I have so many good memories of time at your house and with you and your parents. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Much love to all of you.
Many thoughts and prayers to the family, May she now join PAUL everlasting. R.I.P. Sandy.
My sympathy to Sandy’s family and friends. We taught together for decades and had a lasting friendship in retirement as well. I have many memories to cherish. We often messaged about the Cubs or Hawkeyes., grandkids, outings, all the neighbors she was sharing special gifts with for helping with this or that.etc. She was so fun to be with and her smile lit up a room! We’d often get silly til the tears rolled. We shared a funny saying to each other after one of us gave the other advice … “Yes, Mother!” It was always a joy to visit her and see how she had “her trunk” decorated for the season and of course a visit during Christmastime was a must to see how creatively decorated EVERY room was with a themed tree of ornaments. She’d also tell me about the scavenger hunts she prepared for her granddaughters or their salsa making events.
Sandy had a heart of gold… one very special lady who was one of the most selfless, caring, generous ladies I was privileged to call my friend. She will be greatly missed. ❤️ Dixie
Sandy & Paul lived next door when they moved to New Hampton. I have memories of them coming to our house and lots of laughter. My sincerest sympathies to Jeff & Shawn.
My condolences go to Sandy’s family. She and I came the same year to New Hampton to teach. She taught third grade, and I taught second. We had so much fun together. She could always make everyone around her laugh. She will be missed.
Sandy grew up in Chapin and Hampton and was a dear classmate of mine and continued when I moved to Osage and she was close in Nashua. We have eaten many lunches, laughed and shopped together. So many memories I don’t know where to start. I recently visited Sandy with our friend, Jean and it was a hard visit for us. Rest in Peace dear friend, love you and miss you. Jill Crandall Schweiger, Class of 1964 Hampton.
Sandy & Paul were such good neighbors,& friends, to my parents, Beth & Roger Waller. Sandy was so proud of her children, and those two granddaughters. I will always remember her laugh, as she was always willing to share a good laugh. Cindy (Waller) Zenk
My symparhy to the family
Both Paul and Sandy were a fixture of my childhood from being a student of Paul’s, to mowing their lawn, and being one of the MANY neighbor kids. I can still hear Sandy’s laugh to this day. My condolences to the entire family!
Sending my sincere sympathy to all of Sandy’s family. I have great memories of both she and Paul while I lived in Nashua and did daycare.
Prayers For Sandy’s Sons, Grandbabies & Family, For Strength, Peace & Comfort. She Was My 3rd Grade Teacher In !971. She Was Optimistic, Can Even Remember To This Day. I Loved All The Things She Hung On The Classroom Walls. I LOVED The “Felt Boards.” Yes, She Touched Alot Of Lives. God Bless All Of You. Debbie (Vorwald) Morrison
You have our deepest sympathy for your loss. Sandy was such a thoughtful, caring teacher and always made an impact on her students. Loved visiting with her whenever we saw her at school activities or around town.
I also can hear Sandy’s laugh ring in my ears. She was always such an upbeat person to encounter. I very much enjoyed any visit that I had with her and Paul over the years. They were both such great people! My condolences to Shawn and Jeff.
My sympathy for your loss! I have fond memories of teaching 3rd grade with Sandy in the late ’60s to 1976. She was a great coworker and a great teacher!
Her kindness, caring, and dedication blessed the hundreds of students she taught over the years! I remember when she and Paul married and their love and caring for one another was so special. Blessed be her memory.
We share your grief and send you our deepest condolences.
Thinking of you in your loss. Sandy was always a happy go lucky person that brought up your spirits when ever you had the chance to run into her! She will be missed!
My sympathy goes out to Sandy family. Sandy was a special person and love her decoration in her house for Christmas I looked forward to seeing them on facebook. Fly high Sandy rest in peace, now Paul will have a joke for you.
Prayers sent her family. Jeanne and David Roder