Sandra Lee Dunnweber

Sandra Lee Dunnweber, age 81, of Elgin, IL, passed away on November 5, 2023. She was born March 5, 1942 in Chicago, IL to her loving parents, James and Helen (née Cox) Hawkes.

Sandra grew up in Dubuque, IA and in Oak Park, IL, and graduated from Oak Park High School. She met her husband, Charles, through mutual friends, and they were happily married for 56 years. During their marriage, they lived in Mt. Prospect, IL, Hanover Park, IL, Cherry Creek, CO, Portland, OR, Las Vegas, NV, and Elgin, IL.

Early in her marriage, Sandra worked in account collections for Shell Oil and United Airlines. While living in Las Vegas, NV, she “dabbled” in travel agency work. But her favorite job was being a homemaker, wife and mother to Charles and their daughter, Julie, and “Grammie” to Julie’s adorable pup, Gigi.

Sandra was opinionated and compassionate. She was very generous, too, donating to every charity she could find. She loved to crack jokes, even if she was the only one laughing. She was a proud member of the Daughters of the Revolution.

Sandra enjoyed water aerobics, playing mahjong, reading and traveling. She visited China, Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Europe. One of her favorite travel memories was kissing the Blarney Stone in Ireland. She was known by her family as the Pastry Queen, and she visited every pastry shop in Germany and Belgium that she could find.

Sandra was preceded in death by her parents; and her older brother, Bill Hawks. She is survived by her husband, Charles Dunnweber; daughter, Julie Dunnweber; brother, Steven Hawkes; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held from 3:00pm to 7:00pm, Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at Symonds-Madison Funeral Home, 305 Park Street, Elgin, IL 60120.

Interment will be private.

Final arrangements entrusted to Symonds-Madison Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-741-1128.

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