Sandra Lee Neal

MADISON-Sandra Lee “Sandy” (Schwanke) Neal of Madison, passed away at St. Mary’s Hospital on Friday, Jan. 12, 2018, surrounded by family and close friends.  The oldest of five girls Sandy was born on April 24, 1947, in Baraboo, to Clinton and Catherine (Emery) Schwanke. After graduating from River Valley High School in Spring Green, Wisconsin, Sandy attended the University Of Wisconsin School Of Nursing in Madison. During her college years Sandy met her future husband, Brazie Neal. The couple married on Nov. 3, 1967. From this union two beautiful children were born. Mark Allen followed by his baby sister Yvette Marie just 11 months later. In the spring of 1968, while Mark was still an infant, Sandy opened the doors to her home and became a day care provider. Sandy became the proud “day Mom” to Eric Studesville (Wife, Staci and children; Sydni and Eric Jr.) of whom she still considered her son. In the years the kids were in high school her nephew, Anthony Thornton, came to live with her from Chicago (Wife, Deborah, children Jazmine, Gabrielle, Samuel, Joseph and Iriss). She extended her hospitality to several neighborhood teens who needed refuge and a “safe haven” from their home elements. As a result of her dedicated outreach many children, not her own, affectionately called her “Mom.”  She was foster mother to Lance Mc Cullom, and Melinda Panzer. Sandy was instrumental in developing one of the first Head Start Programs in the mid-west, here in Madison. She climbed the corporate ladder holding several administrative positions before her retirement. Sandy was an active member of the Lioness Club of Madison for many years. She had several hobbies among them: bowling, cooking, reading and playing cards. In her later years, Sandy enjoyed bible study with Yvette, and caring for her dear grandchildren. Sandy is survived by three sisters, Jean Hadden of Sun Prarie, Kathy Musket of Middleton and Barb Kleppe of Madison; her children, Mark and Yvette; grandchildren, Marcus, Aurelius, David, Jordan and Tenley; and a beautiful array of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Brazie; parents Clinton and Catherine; and sister, ZoAnn Bashir.  A celebration of Sandy’s life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 29, 2018.  Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Monday.  The family would like to thank Father Pat and the staff at St. Mary’s Hospital for their attentive care over the past several years. A special thanks to Margie Reising for her continuous friendship and support. An even greater thanks to her sister, Jean and husband, Chuck for their everlasting love and support of Yvette and Mark throughout their lives. We love you Auntie Mommy and Uncle Chuck.    Condolences may be mailed to: Yvette Neal P.O. Box 17671 Encino Ca. 91416 or at https://www.gofundme.com/sandra-neal-celebration-of-life