Sandra Elaine (nee Wachs) Oldham entered eternal rest on Sunday, November 13, 2022.
Sandy was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on September 28, 1944, as the youngest of two children to William “Bill” Wachs and Evelyn Wachs. Sandy graduated Milwaukee Custer High School (WI) in 1962 and attended the University of Wisconsin and obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in physical education. Sandy continued her education and subsequently achieved a master’s degree in Physical Education.
Sandy touched so many lives through her love of athletics. She started at a young age, going downtown to Turner Hall where she began her gymnastic training. At Madison, she was a cheerleader for the Wisconsin Badger football team. Sandy’s true love and focus, once she began her professional teaching career, was in gymnastics. Sandy coached women’s gymnastics in both Connecticut and Illinois and was named coach of the year in both states. In addition, she coached two state championship teams at Palatine (IL) High School. She is a member of the Palatine High School Hall of Fame.
Beyond the high school level, Sandy was a Brevet gymnastics judge and assisted at Olympic Events. Sandy was also an elite gymnastics judge, and worked many events at the highest levels of Division I.
As Sandy moved to the Sun City development in Huntley, IL upon retirement, her love of teaching never left her. Sandy’s tap dance classes were always highly sought after and she was even responsible for creating a separate men’s only tap dance team, the affectionately known Huntley Hunks. She also taught a poms program for the ladies of Sun City.
Sandy is survived by her son, Craig (Sophia) Magnuson of Hartland, WI and her two nieces, Kate (nee Wachs) Bachtel and Kristin (nee Wachs) Dodge, both of Colorado. She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother Theodore.
In lieu of a funeral, a celebration of life will be held for family and friends to remember and celebrate Sandy on Saturday, May 13 from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Drendel Ballroom located at 12880 Del Webb Blvd. in Huntley, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to The Sandy Oldham "Still Making an Impact" Fund https://gofund.me/9C59A857
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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Thanks for sharing your mom with us on those special occasions. She was so kind to us and she truly did have a life to be celebrated! Our deepest sympathy.
My deepest sympathies on the passing of Sandy. I grew up in Des Plaines and have lived in Milwaukee for the past 35 years. I was coached by Sandy at the Lattoff YMCA in Des Plaines in my later elementary school days. I recall what a great coach she was that when I saw her obituary I immediately recognized her name and picture. I wanted to pass along the impact she had on me as a young girl - I don't think coaches often realize it. Martha Donnan
Still miss those fun tap classes and shows. Great memories.
I enjoyed her Pom class at Sun City. She stressed she wanted us to have fun and not worry about perfection. I will miss the class; but more important, I will miss her!
I am so sorry for your loss. Please let me know when the celebration of life will be held in the spring of 2023. Thank you! Leslie Van Wolvelear lawvw@comcast.net.
I remember when Sandy was telling everyone at Palatine High School that her son, that she gave up for adoption, contacted her. She was excited to have him in her life, while we were all surprise. It nice to see that they had a long relationship. As I look back on that moment, I realize how brave Sandy was to give up her son and also gave him a way to find her. This incident in her life helped Sandy to help an adoptive student at Palatine to find her mother. Such kindness.
I am so sorry to hear that Zandy has passed away, my sincere condolences to the family.
We will miss her on the pickleball court, and everywhere in Sun City where she brightened our days with her sunny spirit!
So very sorry. We spent many hours at Meadowview pool at Sun City. Always remember her favorite lounger and doing crosswod puzzles. She liked the water, but never got her hair wet. Will miss her.
Sandy was my gymnastics coach in 1981-1985. Her coaching was tough but true. I learned so much from her. She continued to impress me as I heard of her judging travels and the starting of the dance groups for the people in Huntley. Always caring for others and helping old gymnasts stay in touch. She always had kind and encouraging things to say to me about my endeavors. She never slowed down! Im so sorry to hear of her passing and would love to be able to celebrate her when plans are made.
Sandy was truly an inspirational woman. I will always appreciate our conversations and the time she took to brighten and improve people's lives.
I just saw this post and am so very sorry. Sandy welcomed me to IL. I had met her years ago at a Chicago tap event when I was still living in OH. Please let me know when her celebration of life will be as I really would like to attend. 419-290-2897