Sandra L. Alderman

Sandra Blaney Sullivan Alderman, 76, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2017, at the Brandon Woods skilled care center in Lawrence, Kansas. She was born to Alexander and Ethel (Rourke) Blaney on February 28, 1941, in Toronto, Ontario. She moved with her family to Kendall, Wisconsin, at the age of three. Sandra graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 1964, and earned a Master of Science in Special Education from UW-L in 1971. During her 31-year-long teaching career, Sandra shared her enthusiasm for learning with elementary, middle school, and high school students in Madison, Sparta, and Black River Falls.

After retiring in 1999, Sandra enjoyed an active social life with her family and numerous friends. Highlights included travel to Scotland, Alaska, and China.

Sandra was married to Robert Sullivan from 1963 until his death in 1969, and to Roger Alderman from 1973 until their divorce in 1982. She was a member of the Eastern Star, the American Legion Auxiliary of Kendall, the Disabled American Veterans, the National Education Association, and the Wisconsin Education Association. She was also an active member of the Onalaska Methodist Church.

Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, Alexander and Ethel Blaney; her brother, Alexander Blaney; and her brother-in-law, Dean Stiles. She is survived by her sister, Patricia Stiles, her brother, James Blaney and his wife Mona, her daughters, Susan Cary (Dan) and Jacquelyn Blaney; her son, David Alderman; and her four grandchildren: Bridget Cary, Joseph Cary, Patrick Cary, and Samuel Alderman.

A memorial service will be held at the Evangelical Free Church in Kendall, Wisconsin with burial at the Glendale Cemetery and reception to follow at the Kendall Community Center, the day and time will be announced at a later date. Lanham Schanhofer Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. Memorial donations may be given to the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse Foundation.

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