Sandra Lee Reuss

Sandra L. “Sandy” Reuss, age 80, was a loving mother, a wife, a sister, and a friend to many throughout the years. She passed away at 3:45 a.m. on Thursday, April 6, 2023, at St. Mary’s Hospital after a long battle with cancer.

She was born on October 25, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, to Michael and Patricia Leah Arra and relocated later in life to Wisconsin, settling in Shorewood Hills and later the city of Madison.

Sandy was a woman with a huge heart and shared a vibrant connection on many different levels with those whom she crossed paths with. She had a comfort level of approaching any stranger and striking up a conversation in any situation. One would think she knew them for years, but no; the “gift of gab” as it is commonly referred to as, she embodied.

Her laugh was infectious, and her humor would be present in conversations. She wasn’t well traveled, but she did travel more later in life. Yet, she always had sage advice from time to time for others- some of which left an indelible mark on you.

While she strived to be the best person that she could be, she also had a stubborn trait at times. But that trait didn’t lessen anything about who she was. It added depth, allowing a more vivid picture of her to be painted. In a way, this trait helped her persevere through her cancer battle.

Sandy was someone who would leave a lasting impact on those who were close to her and knew her best. Even those who crossed her path for a small moment, whether they realized it or not, would be affected in some way.

She may have gone home to continue her journey away from the pain, yet she will not be forgotten. Her light carries on, and she is safe now. She will be greatly missed and will not be forgotten; her memory will be forever cherished and loved.

Sandy is survived by her two sons, Anthony L. Rook and Erick M. Rook; her two sisters, Lynn Turcott and Carole Weinburg; two brothers, Lawrence Arra (and his wife, Cynthia) and Richard Giffin; nephew, Robert Turcott; and three nieces, Danielle Marquez, Michelle Lovell and Gina O'Connor; as well as other nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; parents, Michael C. and Patricia L. Arra; brother, Michael Arra and his wife, her sister-in-law, Jodi Arra; and two nephews, Brian Arra and Bill Turcott.

A Celebration of Life will be held at her home at 1657 Percheron Trl, Sun Prairie, WI 53590, on Friday, April 21, 2023, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Her celebration will be casual.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420