Sandra Zemaitis

Patient, generous, and kind, Sandra Zemaitis lived a life rich in faith, family, and friends. A woman who embodied the principles of her faith, Sandra welcomed each day as a gift and every person as a friend. She led with her heart in all things and reflected the goodness in others, especially when they were struggling, inspiring much hope along the way. A devoted mother, grandmother, sister, nurse, and friend, Sandra will long be remembered by those she so dearly loved.

1950 marked the start of rapid changes that would be witnessed over the following two decades. As the Great Depression was becoming a faint memory, families moved to the suburbs. Kids watched Howdy Doody on 12-inch black-and-white TV sets and spent Saturday afternoons watching cartoons at Cinema matinees. Times were gentler as the nation’s focus was on family and hope for a brighter future. Nowhere was there more hope than in the hearts and home of Carl and Ruth Oleson as they welcomed their daughter Sandra into their family on April 12 in Traverse City, Michigan.

Growing up in the Glen Arbor area and the third of four, Sandra enjoyed playing hide-and-seek with her siblings. Living near the beach supported many wonderful memories at the lake, swimming, picnicking, and playing in the sand. Sandra’s parents owned the Sportsman’s Shop in Traverse City, and the family enjoyed making Sunday trips to Crystal Lake for fishing. They also enjoyed visiting Sandra’s grandfather’s farm.

Sandra attended Elementary and High School at Glen Lake Community Schools and graduated from high school in 1968. She continued her education at Butterworth School of Nursing in Grand Rapids, where she lived in the dorms and made many lifelong friends. Fulfilling her dreams, Sandra graduated from nursing school in 1971 and began her career working in pediatric nursing.

While training at Butterworth Hospital, Sandra was introduced to her future husband, Jim Zemaitis, by a mutual friend. When she needed a ride back to her home up north, Jim offered to take her. The pair began dating and, in time, married. Though the marriage ended in divorce in the early 80s, it blessed Sandra and Jim with the wonderful gift of their sons, Rich and Jim.

In addition to being a caring and supportive mother, Sandra loved nursing. After becoming a mom, Sandra took a brief period of time off before returning to work. She dedicated herself to the excellent care of countless patients over her 44 years, retiring in 2015.

Sandra lived in Westside Grand Rapids, where she enjoyed quilting, crocheting, and knitting. She commonly made blankets for local hospital patients and her family. She loved her cat and dog, Finnegan and Snickers, and treasured nothing more than spending time with her family. Whether close to home or traveling to Glen Arbor, time with family was always a gift.

Sandy served her church as a Eucharistic Minister and Children’s Liturgy of the Word at weekly Mass services. She enjoyed attending the Tuesday morning Bible study at Holy Spirit, and in October of 2024, was privileged to complete a pilgrimage to Medjugorje, Bosnia, Lourdes, France, and Fatima, Portugal. She also enjoyed traveling to Washington, DC, to visit with her son Rich.

As we celebrate Sandra’s life, may we find much comfort in our many treasured memories and in the honor of carrying her legacy of faith, hope, and love forward. In each moment we lead with our hearts, notice goodness and beauty, confidently face life’s challenges, generously support those in need, cheer on our loved ones’ endeavors, find comfort in our favorite four-legged companions, and treasure time with friends and family, we keep Sandra’s memory alive and inspiring others as she so inspired us.

Mrs. Sandra Zemaitis, age 76, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, after a lengthy battle with cancer. Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Ruth Oleson; her former husband, James Zemaitis; and her son, James C. Zemaitis.

Surviving are her son Richard Zemaitis, her granddaughter Harper Zemaitis, her siblings Carl (Jackie) Oleson, Sharon (Don) Shaw, and Candace Oleson, as well as her nieces Kim (Greg) Guilbeau, Shannon (Allen) DeBose, and Stephanie (Craig) Sapolski DaBose. Sandy also leaves behind many close friends, some of whom have been friends for over 40 years.

Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 2230 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, starting at 11:00 AM. Her family will greet friends from 10:00 AM to the start of the funeral at the church. A graveside service will take place on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Holy Cross Cemetery at 11:00 AM. Memorial contributions in Sandy’s honor may be directed to Holy Spirit Catholic Church. To leave a memory or sign her personal guest book, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com