Word has been received of the death Thursday, Aug. 14, of former Wayland Board of Education member Sandy Bouwman. She was 82.
Bouwman, who served on the school board from 1986 to 1990, had been a patient most recently at the Laurels of Sandy Creek Nursing Home.
Sandy carried many titles. She was sister, cousin, daughter, wife, mom, and her favorite, grandma. No matter what title, her greatest was “friend.” There was always room at her kitchen table for anyone. Always will to share a cup of coffee, a good laugh, or a good cry, and almost always a good meal.
Sandy loved her job as a teacher assistant for the Wayland Alternative education program, where she helped many get their diplomas. She was later a CNA at Sandy Creek in Wayland; later found herself as a hospice aide for Heartland Hospice. Though she always kept a full schedule, she somehow found the time and passion to become a foster mom to many kids.
She is survived by her children Dale (Lisa) Bouwman Jr. and Suzy (fiancé, John Natte) Bouwman; grandchildren Blake Bouwman, Lealynn Bouwman, Dale “Bubba” Bouwman lll; brother, James (Linda) Babylon; father of her children, Dale Bouwman Sr.; beloved friends Dawn Snyder and Linda Holcomb; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.She was preceded in death by her sisters Bev (John) Cronin and Betty Jean Claypool; and parents Charles and Emily Babylon.
A celebration of Sandy’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 22, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m., at Kubiak-Cook Funeral Home, 312 N. Main St, Wayland. Visitation with family members will begin at 10 a.m. Friday.
Aunt Sandy BOUWMAN was a bright spot in my life for many many years! My prayer is that she is resting in peace and that the family is surrounded with grace and love.