On Thursday, March 17, 2022, Sandra Marie (Myhre) Nelson passed away peacefully at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Washington, with her sister by her side. It was just two months after her 41st birthday.
She was born on Jan. 15, 1981, to Mark Myhre and Joan Kerrigan, and attended Onalaska schools from kindergarten to twelfth grade. On Sept. 24, 2004, Sandra married Joshua Nelson, and they had two children: Austyn Nevaeh and Adam Lucas. Though Sandra and Joshua eventually separated, Sandra went on to have three more children, who were adopted into loving homes: Zane Michael, Isaiah Mark and Zachary George.
Of all the places she worked, Sandra was most proud of DirectBuy, where they showed appreciation for her hard work by taking her on all-inclusive company trips. Sandra loved simple things like a good cup of coffee (with lots of creamer), cooking and plants. She could grow anything and always wanted to have a greenhouse wherever she was.
Though Sandra eventually traveled a road that took her away from her family, she was no less loved, cared for, and missed in the daily lives of those who knew her. She was known for her loud, infectious laugh, and her ability to use the most “colorful” language to describe things that didn’t necessarily warrant it (a trait she shared with her father Mark).
Sandra is survived by her five children Austyn, Adam, Zane, Isaiah and Zachary; her sister Melissa (Nick Isaacson); stepmom Nina Myhre; grandfather Glenn Kerrigan, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents Mark Myhre and Joan Kerrigan, paternal grandmother Louise Myhre, paternal grandfather Robert Myhre, and maternal grandmother Carol Kerrigan.
Sandra will be laid to rest at Alpha Cemetery, following a private graveside service.
In her last communication with her sister, she included this quote, and I can think of no better way to conclude this tribute to her:
“This is my wish for you: Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, love to complete your life.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
