Funeral Details

Sandra Joyce Ross, nee Levy, 90.
Beloved wife of the late Richard Ross, she was loving mother of Janet Sugar, Yehuda (Gabriella Panina) Sugar and Adam Ross and proud grandmother of 10 and great grandmother of 4. She was also dear sister of the late Barbara (the late Gordon) Gray and the late Shirley Kirshner.

In her last stage of life, Sandra’s raison d'etre was her grandchildren. As her grandson Charlie Ross,16, said, “Her goal was to be the fun grandma and she delivered.”

His brother, Jon Ross, noted that the grandkids were onto her: “She told each of us privately that we were her favorite. (But I really was.)"

She learned the hard way to make her own way. When asked what she was most proud of, she said it was that she mentored women to make good livings to care for their families and themselves and to expand the choices they had.

What was most frequently said about her was about her warmth, generosity, and hospitality. It was something to note because it was said not only by her inner circle but also by former nephews and daughters-in-law, employees in a tough spot, and the guy who delivered the milk and eggs. And before it was known as a better way to be human, it was said, too, by people who were different than she, whether in religion, color, or political ideas. All that was required was that they compliment her chicken soup.

Everyone knew her as a character. Daughters of her daughter, Julia and Rachel Webb, said that she truly lived life on her own terms. Her dear friend Barry Mann waltzed into the hospital at the end and said he was her nephew because he really felt like he was. As her friend Ann Marie Schaeffer said, “She sure had a rich life, and we’ve alll been fortunate to be a part of it.”

Granddaughter Chana Sugar said, “You had a presence about you that people loved being around. You were a Queen Bee."

Perhaps the best thing said about Sandra was said by her: “I had a wonderful life."

Service Friday 2PM at Shalom Memorial Park Cemetery, (Section 8), 1700 West Rand Road, Arlington Heights.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Chabad Center for Jewish Life in Downtown Chicago, 1236 North Dearborn Parkway, Chicago, IL 60610, www.centerforjewishlife.com. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com