With profound sadness we announce the passing of Sandy, our devoted wife, mother and friend to all whose lives she touched.

Sandra (Sandy) Jean Stolis, age 79, born in Duluth MN passed away peacefully at her home in Delano MN on March 30, 2023. Sandy is proceeded in death by her parents Leola and William Roth, and Donald Anderson; sister Claudia Eskola; and grandson David Anderson.

Sandy leaves behind her loving husband of 58 years, Samuel Stolis; children Kellie (Denis) Anderson and Kyle Stolis; grandchildren Jennifer (Ian) Collins and Samuel Anderson; great-grandchildren June and Miles Collins; siblings Donna Borich, Sharon Newland, and Bill Roth; Aunt Marie Garofalo; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The joy of Sandy’s life was her family. She was first and foremost a dedicated mother and wife. Sandy treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as grandma/great-grandma. With her husband Sam by her side, they created a beautiful life together.

Sam and Sandy left Duluth shortly after they wed so Sam could pursue his career with Honeywell, they moved around a lot, and then settled in Maple Grove MN while their children were growing up; Sandy spent many years volunteering at the schools, in her kids classrooms and being a den mother and girl scout leader. Living on a cul-de-sac meant spending lots of time with the neighbor families for coffee, lunches and block parties. Most summer days were spent at the community swimming pool.

Her dream home was their home on Upper South Long Lake in Brainerd MN, she so enjoyed coffee on the patio in the mornings looking at the lake and listening to the loons calling. This home started as their weekend cabin and then became their full-time residence upon retirement. Sandy took great pride in her yard during the summer months, the inside of her home was impeccably decorated, she had great taste. All were welcomed into her home with love. Sandy loved spending time with friends she played darts on a dart league, enjoyed playing Bingo, going to meat raffles and the casino.
Sandy was a gifted artist who created beautiful oil paintings, made lovely home-made crocheted items and home décor with a north-woods theme. Besides crafting, her other hobby was Taekwondo Karate where Sandy achieved the rank of 2nd degree black-belt. She had brief, separate careers in the 1990’s as a Mechanical Drafts-person and a Registered Medical Assistant, after attending school and receiving technical certificates in both of these fields. The proudest title she ever held was mother.

A celebration of life was held on Monday April 24th at 1pm. Visitation from 12pm-1pm at Iten Funeral Home, Delano MN. A luncheon followed at the Delano American Legion post 377.
Until her health conditions made it impossible, Sandy was an active member of the Brainerd community, working diligently for many years on the annual Toys for Kids fundraiser, a local non-profit where all proceeds and donations stay local to the Brainerd lakes area.

Memorials in Sandy’s honor can be sent to:
Toys for Kids
P.O. Box 1053
Brainerd MN 56401