Sandra I. Hausz

Hazel Green, Wisconsin Sandra Irene Hausz, 64, of Hazel Green, Wisconsin, passed away on February 26, 2016, at her home following a short illness. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Sandra was born on April 5, 1951, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She was adopted by Loren and Irene Hausz when she was 3 years old. Sandra attended St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Fort Atkinson. She graduated from Fort Atkinson High School in 1969 as the Senior Class President. Sandra was involved in many activities during her high school years. She was selected as Dairy Princess at the Jefferson County Fair in Jefferson, WI. Sandra had a strong love for family and friends. She knew at a young age that she had a calling to care for others. She attended Blackhawk Community College in Moline, IL, and became a registered nurse. She was the Director of Nursing at Locustwood Health Care Center in Rockford, IL, Assistant Director of Nursing at Laurelwood Health Care Center in Rock Island, IL, a Charge Nurse at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque, IA, Medicare Charge Nurse at Dubuque Nursing and Rehab in Dubuque, IA, and Director of Rehab/Restorative Services for Fairhaven Retirement Center in Rockford, IL. She held the honor of the National Collegiate Nursing Award in 1991, 1992, and 1993. Sandra was a phenomenal writer. Her story “She Came to Die” was published in the college literary magazine “Images” at Blackhawk College in the Spring/Summer 1992 issue. Sandra loved animals, plants, trees of all kinds and the river. Her favorite moments in life were spent with her partner Craig and their dogs boating on the Mississippi River. Music played a large part in her life. She especially liked it loudly played, car windows down, sunroof open and the wind blowing her hair. Sandra also enjoyed collecting dolls, dragons and Kennedy family memorabilia. She thoroughly enjoyed finding treasures. Sandra is survived by her beloved cocker spaniel Lilly, and her beloved cat Cooper; her brother, John (Carolyn) Hausz, of Fort Atkinson; nephew, Paul (Traci) Hausz, of Cambridge; niece, Michelle (Rev. Jacob) Gillard, South Sudan; niece, Carrie Weihert, of Fort Atkinson; great-nephews and nieces, Stephen, Samuel, Autumn, Sophia, Summer, Amelia and Evangeline; along with many cousins. Sandra was preceded in death by her parents; her soul mate and love of her life, Craig Mapes; her loving Aunt Viola whom she referred to as, “The calm of my storm”; and her very special therapy dog, Abby, who she trained to help her bring healing to her patients. Sandra’s wisdom and nurturing ways will be greatly missed. She was an inspiration to those she met. She lovingly gave to others and encouraged forgiveness always. A special thank you to her caretakers, Kathy Frye and Linda Homer; her neighbor, Paul; and to Dr. Erin Hueschman for the love and commitment they extended to Sandra.