Sandra Vanderwall

Sandra Rae "Sandie" VanderWall (nee Boonstra), age 83, of Tucson, Arizona, passed away on May 16, 2023
following a very brief illness.

She is joining her husband, Roy (2018), but leaves her loving family behind including her daughter,
Brenda (Tim) Pederson; son, Roy VanderWall, Jr.; son, Ted (Judy) VanderWall; daughter, Wendy
(Brad) Staab; sister, Nancy Boonstra; brother Ron (Carolyn) Boonstra; sister-in-law, Carol Warren;
12 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and many close family and friends.

Born and raised in the Mount Greenwood area of Chicago, Illinois, Sandie was the daughter of
Dorothy (Doot) and Theodore Boonstra. Sandie married Roy VanderWall in 1958 at Mount
Greenwood Reformed Church where they were long time members. At the age of 12, Sandie earned
a scholarship to the Art Institute in Chicago; this ignited her life-long passion for painting and artistic
expression. In 1970, Roy and Sandie started their own business, Jr’s Hotdogs, which grew into a
franchised chain. They moved to Tucson in 1984. It was there that Sandie sharpened her skills as a
representational style oil painter with subjects ranging from still lifes, landscapes, animals, and
portraits. She was inspired by her daily hikes in Sabino Canyon and the many artist groups to which
she belonged.

In addition to her award-winning, fabulous artwork, Sandie was a talented seamstress, decorator,
championship level organizer, sharp witted and loved her family and friends with all of her heart.
Sandie was hard-working, driven, goal oriented, and incredibly inspiring. With everything she did,
Sandie gave it her all. Although Sandie will surely be remembered for her artistic talent and keen eye
for detail, it was her relationships that meant so much to her. Anyone who knew her appreciated her
grace, beauty, poise, and gentle spirit. Sandie was a devoted and wonderful wife, mother, sister,
daughter, and friend. She encouraged her kids to chase their dreams and see the range of color,
beauty, and possibility in this world.

These 380 words will never be enough to capture all that Sandie VanderWall was and how much she
meant to all of us. She always said, “It’s a fast life!” As it turns out, it was too fast, she’s gone too
soon, and most of all, she will forever be missed! We love you, Mom!

A private family graveside service will be held.