LOWERY—Sandra Louise, age 67, of Grand Rapids died January 15, 2023, of pancreatic cancer. Born December 4, 1955 to John “Jack” and Mary (Reynolds) Bek, Sandy graduated from Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) School (’70) and Catholic Central (CC) High School (’74). She then studied nursing at Mercy Central and later earned her degree from Ferris State University. Sandy worked as a surgical nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital for many years. In addition, she was a vital member of the Applied Innovation team since its inception, working payroll for 35 years. All while raising three children.
Throughout her life, Sandy was athletic, from competitive diving for the Jolly Rogers team as a youngster, to cheerleading at CC, and driving the golf ball a mile. She loved attending her ten grandchildren’s many sporting events. Always a generous hostess, Sandy especially relished Christmas Eve and 4th of July with bike parade and fireworks set to “Proud to Be an American.” She loved Journey, Jackson Browne, and local band Natchez Trace, reading, coffee, Riesling, and mayo on most foods.
An attentive friend and listener, Sandy embodied the blessings of forgiveness, gratitude, and unconditional love. Sandy was a woman of deep faith, a staunch advocate for the unborn, and a volunteer at HELP Pregnancy Aid for two decades. She went on to serve as its Board president and was instrumental in HELP’s current expansion plans. When her husband John bought her the lot next door to HELP as an anniversary gift, Sandy turned it into a beautiful rosary Garden of Life with statue of Madonna and child. She also served as IHM Women’s Guild president and chair of its Right to Life committee.
Sandy is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, John; daughter Megan (Mike) Tietema; sons Casey (Lindsay) and Kyle (Jessica) Lowery; grandchildren Owen, Ellie, Matthew and Peter Tietema, Cora, Jack, Henry, John, Caroline, and Teddy Lowery; brother John C. (Beri) Bek, and sisters Deb (Terry) Moore and Cindy Despres, all of Grand Rapids. She also leaves behind many dear nieces, nephews, and friends.
Visitation at IHM Church on Friday, Jan. 20, from 2-4 & 6-8, with a rosary at 8:00 pm. A funeral Mass of Christian Burial, Fr. Troy Nevins presiding, will be held on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 11:00 am at IHM Church, 1935 Plymouth S.E. 49506. Luncheon to immediately follow service. Interment at Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to HELP Pregnancy Aid’s “Vision 2025” campaign, 705 Bridge St. NW, 49504, or to the “Bek Family Scholarship Fund” of IHM’s Killgoar Foundation. The Lowery family thanks the hundreds of people who lifted Sandy up in prayer during her journey with cancer and especially during the last few weeks of her life. She and the family felt your love and strength.
70 Responses
I will truely miss Sandy
When she would see me at an event or at Corp She always came up to talk to me
But when I was helping her finish the new Cabin, she always treated me like family, not Just a Contractor
I will think about you often
RIP
Dan
John,
You and your family are in our prayers. I never knew Sandy personally, but I’ve heard nothing but great things about her. Sending our deepest condolences and comfort for your loss.
Dawn Rosser & family
Dear John and Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this trying time, God bless.
John & family,
Sorry for your loss.
Sandy was a wonderful person to know & to work with. She was my team leader & I was her secretary in the OR. Worked many years.
She will be missed dearly.
My prayers are with you & family.
Sandy’s kindness and generosity will always be a part of everyone who she came to know. She will be greatly missed by the AI family and the community. The Gaetz family is praying for her to find peace.
John, Casey & Lowery Family: My heart pours out to you and family for your loss. I did not have the pleasure of meeting Sandy personally, but I have heard nothing but the positive impact she had with various organizations and what a wonderful person she was to everyone who knew her. Please accept my deepest condolences.
My condolences to the Lowery Family. I met Sandy only a few times, but she was always very warm and welcoming. I have no doubt that she will be missed dearly by all whom she touched over the years. God Bless you all.
John,
So sorry to hear about your loss. I know the pain you are feeling. My wife passed away in May of 2020. You got my address from Ian Crockett and we’re so kind to send me a beautiful plant which is still thriving on my patio.
John Novak, the California voice of your radio commercials.
My prayers for God’s comforting arms to surround your family at this time of loss. Sandy seemed larger than life at the Applied company party this summer. We mourn this emptiness but rejoice with her dancing with Jesus.
I am so sorry for your loss of Sandy. I worked with her at Saint Mary’s. She was always cheerful and smiling. My favorite memory was how she would sleep through her alarms and always needed a call to get up. Loved her humor and compassion. She will be missed.
So sorry for your loss. Thinking and praying for you and your family John.
Dear John, Casey, and the Lowery family,
Thinking of you all as you celebrate Sandy’s life today. My heart goes out to you for the loss of your wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. Sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this difficult time.
Sandy was always so kind, she made our family feel welcome from the first time we met and as we got to know her more we found much in common. It was a blessing to have had the opportunity to spend time with her. She and all of the Lowery Family are in our hearts and prayers.
I will always miss her calling me bye my full name Nicholas, and her famous grilled pb&j’s… Mrs lowery treated me like the individual I was with love and parentage. Sandy always made me feel MOST welcome, wether at her house or running randomly into her outside or at a work event ..I have never had a negative interaction with her, like Kyle says she was a saint!! Someone to be greatly and unequivocally missed. Xoxoxooxo
To John and the entire Lowery family – We are sorry to hear the so very sad news of Sandy’s passing. We knew Sandy a short while when our kids were young and in school. She always had a bright smile and kind words for us. She will be missed.
I worked in surgery with Sandy. She was a wonderful nurse and when she was team leading, it was always a good day.
John. You and Sandy had a great partnership and built a great family and great company together. It’s my good fortune to know you both. God speed
Sandy was a delightful, warm soul. We worked together in surgery at St Mary’s. She had that natural, welcoming nature. My heart breaks for you and your family.
I graduated year a year before Sandie at immaculate heart and Catholic Central. I will always remember her, she was always such a friendly and kind person. She always took the time to say hello! Rest in peace Sandie.
I am so sorry for your family’s loss . I’m a childhood and Highschool friend of Casey and she was one of my favorite Moms.! She most certainly will be missed and my thoughts and prayers are with the family!!