Sandra Lee Birlauf

Sandra Lee Birlauf

November 11, 1941 – April 9, 2024

A bright light has gone in our family. Her name was Sandie. She was 82 years old when she passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 9th. Although she has gone to her home in Heaven, her memory will reside in our hearts forever.

She was born on November 11, 1941, to Raymond and Dolores Gibson in Watsonville, California. A mere six weeks later, they moved to Lincoln, Nebraska where she grew up among lots of Gibsons and Larsens. Many of her fondest memories were of the times she spent in Friend, Nebraska with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

The bright, blond-haired little girl learned ballet and how to tap dance while eagerly being taught to play the piano by her mother, Dee, and her precious, grandmother, Edna, whom she affectionately called Gran. Both sides of the family were musically talented; her father played the trumpet in the Army Band. Her Uncle Russ was famous for his piano playing.

Her heart was dedicated to the Lord at a young age as she was a member of the Trinity Methodist Church in Lincoln. Later, when she moved to Denver, she became a member of the Methodist Church in Wheat Ridge where she spent many hours volunteering to care for the grounds with her husband, Brian.

At the age of 17, she graduated from Lincoln High School in 1959 while on the honor roll. It was there she met her first husband, Bill Power, and married him in 1961. From this union, a son was born. His name is David Power.

Although this marriage sadly came to an end, she found love again and married Larry Wichman in 1965. Laura Lewis was the daughter born to them.

It was at this point, Sandie started becoming ill. It created havoc in her life as her mental illness would not be properly diagnosed. She fled to Denver in the late 1970's. She found a satisfying job working at Ward Photo. It was there she met Brian although it would be years before they ultimately wed in 1996. This union would provide her with happiness and devotion until her death.

Finally, her anxiety and panic disorder was diagnosed properly and medication gave her back her life. Relying on determination, courage and faith in the Lord, she began her career in volunteer work. It started with a halfway house then moved to Mercy Ministries where she managed the Mother's Pantry for several years. She found immense satisfaction counseling the women and helping them whenever she could. She then went on to the Jeffco Action Center to help the homeless. There were many times she went to downtown Denver to hand out bags of personal care items to the homeless; always including a prayer for them. Her heart was full of love for all of them even though she knew she couldn't always save them.

Her greatest love was her family. Instilling the importance of family in everyone's lives was paramount to her. She spent many years working with her cousins, Pam Larson and Bob Gibson, tracking down bits of genealogy. Every time they found a new piece of information to add to the family puzzle, her eyes would light up with joy. Her Danish ancestry became quite meaningful as many of her t-shirts conveyed.

Inheriting a green thumb from her grandfather, Andrew Larsen, she enjoyed gardening for many years. She always had the most beautiful flowers and was crushed whenever hail hurt them.

Traveling to the Oregon coast was always her favorite trip to make. She found it quite peaceful there and she often expressed her desire to live there if it weren't for leaving her family.

And, oh my, how she loved animals! She and Brian adopted a family of feral cats several years ago. They provided a safe, warm place for them whenever they needed it. A litter of kittens was produced and promptly named. She always kept an eye out for "her kitties" and would worry if she hadn't seen them in several days. Many a squirrel, bird, fox and even a skunk or two were provided daily with food. The animals even got to know her and trust her so well, they would approach her when she sat out on her porch. She donated money for wolves at an animal sanctuary here in Colorado.

In fact, she donated lots of money to charities all over the world. Her heart was just as large as the need. To put it simply, she cared about everyone.

She always made sure to tell all her children how much she loved them, and we all returned that love. We will miss her greatly: Sara Taylor – husband Alan, Kathleen Shryock, David Power – with Carolyn Drapela, and Laura Lewis – husband Tom.

She felt quite blessed to have 8 grandchildren: Brandon – wife Katie, Danny, Andrew, Brittany, Joshua – wife Stephanie, and Ian – with Zoe. Every single one of her 11 great grandchildren got to know her too. Every hug, word or picture she got from them was super special to her.

We are planning a remembrance ceremony for her at Brian's home in Lakewood, Colorado. It will take place on Sunday, April 28th; time to be determined soon. At this time, we are not planning a graveside service, but her ashes will be interred at Andrews Cemetery in Friend, Nebraska next to her parents. In lieu of flowers, please donate to homeless or animal charities of your choosing in her name. She would've liked that very much.

All the necessary arrangements are being made through Newcomer. Feel free to call (303)274-6065 if you have any questions.