Sandra L. Wiley, 80, passed away and joined her Eternal Father on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at Touchmark Assisted Living, Appleton. She was born on November 29, 1942, the daughter of Lawrence and Elaine (Zastrow) Radloff.
Sandra lived most of her life in the Palisades area in the Village of Fox Crossing, where she lived in several homes built by her father who was a home builder. She had a strong faith in Jesus Christ. Bethel Lutheran Church in Menasha was a cornerstone in her life. Over her many decades at Bethel, she strengthened her faith, established many beloved friendships and selflessly gave of her time. She was truly an angel on the face of the earth - sweet, kind, and full of love. She had a wonderful smile and a generous and kind sense of humor that could make anyone’s day a little better.
Music was a central happiness in her life - Judy Garland, Liza Minnelli, Frank Sinatra and the music of the 1940’s and 50’s were amongst her favorites. Even as her memory faded, her face would light up when a cherished song was played, and she would happily sing the lyrics from memory should a nearby piano, recording, or even an accordian strike up a loved tune. With a degree in English from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, she had a deep appreciation of literature and poems, including those from Walt Wittman’s Leaves of Grass.
While she traveled extensively in Europe (including a three month honeymoon), she was most happy at home, and evoked a slight sense of quiet terror as her husband John planned new trips. She truly believed “home is where the heart is.” She enjoyed her garden. She was an accomplished baker - known for generous portions of chocolate cake with inch thick frosting, cinnamon rolls, and any kind of pie - but especially rhubarb.
Sandra is survived by her sister Kay Radloff, Greenfield, MA and her children: Nell (Roger) Houser, Colorado Springs; Ben Wiley, Plymouth; Ladd (Sandy Ballou) Wiley, Fitchburg; and Frederica (Craig) Doriot, Combined Locks; grandchildren: Liam Houser, Ava Houser, Claire Wiley, Tessa Houser, Finnley Doriot, Bryce Houser, Aidan Wiley, Naomi Doriot, Jonas Doriot, and Simone Doriot; many dearly loved uncles, aunts and cousins, in addition to other relatives and friends.
Sandra was preceded in death by her husband, A. John Wiley, Jr. and her parents. She thought of and missed each of them every day.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Bethel Ev. Lutheran Church, 829 Appleton Rd., Menasha. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 19, 2023, at the Wichmann Funeral Home, Tri-County Chapel, 1592 Oneida St., Menasha, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and again on Saturday at the church from 10:00 am until the time of the service. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Appleton.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are appreciated to the Fox Valley Lutheran High School Scholarship Fund.
Special thank you note: Sandy’s family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the facility, nursing and care team at Touchmark for their care, compassion, and kindness. First Cousins, including Joan LeClerc, the Fondow brothers, Duane Polack, and lifetime special friend Carolyn Litscher were especially important people in her final years. Deep thanks to Julie Parker and her extended student family for rides to Bethel and adding to her life in many ways.