MADISON - Sandra Ann “Sandi” Valenza, age 67, of Madison, passed away on March 8, 2026. She was born on August 28, 1958, in San Jose, Calif., to parents, Charles and Lois Powell. She was the youngest of six children, living in San Jose, then moving to Washington State and eventually settling in Marshall, Wis., in 1969.

Sandi attended Marshall High School where she was a cheerleader and member of the gymnastics team. She graduated in 1976 and was voted Miss Marshall at the annual fireman's festival and parade. After graduation she played organized softball for The Spa (Cambridge) and Tullys East (Madison). Win or lose, the team made sure to patronize their sponsor and enjoy their time together.

On August 28, 1982, Sandi married Tony Valenza at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (Marshall). Together they lived in Madison where their children AJ (1986) and Vanessa (1989) were born. The kids joined karate school at a young age. She attended their practices and drove them to weekend tournaments and exhibitions as they gradually earned their black belts.

Sandi loved family gatherings and watching her children play with their cousins. Visiting grandpas’ and grandmas’ houses for the holidays were memorable times as well. She enjoyed relaxing at home and reading paperback books, especially stories by Stephen King. She also took great pleasure in recording her favorite television shows on the DVR and binge watching many popular drama series.

Sandi joined the workforce in 1976, beginning at American Family Insurance, then UW Purchasing, the Wisconsin Lottery, and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, retiring in 2017, after 41 years of service.

Sandi leaves behind her husband, Tony Valenza; and daughter, Vanessa Valenza. She is also survived by her sister, Darlene (Steve) Foster; brother, Jerry (Elaine) Powell; sister, Mamie (Steve) Detert; brother-in-law, Ray Gerstner and sister-in-law, Mary Jo (Scott) Wilkerson and their families; father-in-law, Tony Valenza Sr.; brother and sisters-in-law, Ken (Karen) Valenza, Nancy (Dave) Alsmo and Tim (Patti) Valenza and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Lois Powell; brother, William Powell; sister, Charlene Gerstner; son, Anthony Joseph "AJ" Valenza; and mother-in-law, Mardelle Valenza.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2026. A gathering will follow the memorial service at the funeral home from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Our family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at St. Mary’s Hospital for their exceptional care and support for Sandi. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Sandra "Sandi" A. Valenza

August 28, 1958 - March 08, 2026

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