Sandra A Kirkpatrick

FITCHBURG-Sandra A. "Sandy" Kirkpatrick (Olsen), age 76, passed away surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, March 27, 2018. Born on March 10, 1942, in LaCrosse, the daughter of Floyd and Anne Mae (Bakke) Olsen. She attended St. James Elementary and Aquinas High School. She continued her studies at St. Frances College of Nursing and Viterbo University. Her career began as a nurse at UW Children's Hospital, eventually promoted to Nursing Supervisor overseeing the entire UW Children's Hospital. She changed nursing practices forever; did away with the nurse’s caps, because they were unsanitary, and changed the uniform from a white dress with nylons to colored shirt and pants. As one of the first pediatric nurse practitioners in Wisconsin, she practiced at Jackson Clinic, Madison General and Methodist Hospitals. Sandy transitioned to work with the senior citizens at the Oregon Senior Center where she shared her care and compassion as meal site coordinator and provided private in-home care. Sandy never lost her inner child, she collected dolls and made antique reproduction dolls.  She was an avid reader and movie aficionado, she loved cartoons, comics, mystery and sci-fi.  She also loved Christmas which lead to her Santa Clause collection. Sandy made all holidays special and was an amazing cook and baker.  She was a special woman, who put others before herself. Sandy is survived by her daughters, Heather (Tim Belter) Kirkpatrick, Heidi Kirkpatrick and Hope (Steve) Merry; granddaughter, Jordan Merry; brothers, Terry (Kay) Olsen and Tom Olsen; and sister, Sally (Tom) Weise; as well as nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at HOLY MOTHER OF CONSOLATION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 651 North Main St., Oregon, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 3, 2018, with Father Gary Wankerl presiding. Burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery, 2705 Regent St. Madison. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1150 Park St., Oregon, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday, April 2, 2018, and on Tuesday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass.  Flowers by Oregon Floral or donations to UW Carbone Cancer Center. Online condolences at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Oregon Funeral & Cremation Care 1150 Park Street 608-835-3515