Obituary: Sandra Kaye

As received from the Memorial Chapel & Plowe Funeral Homes:

Sandra Kaye, 78, a resident of Hancock and former South Range resident passed away Tuesday, March 16, 2021, at the Omega House in Houghton following a year-long illness.

Sandra was born in Detroit to Oliver Waco Savola and Helen Kinnunen Savola on September 23, 1942. Being 100% Finnish it is fitting she passed on St. Uhro’s Day.

She was married to James Bowden and they had four children. They parted amicably.

Sandra attended the Escanaba and Negaunee schools and Jeffers High School. She went on to earn her degree in early childhood development from Northern Michigan University.

Before purchasing her home and business, My School Children’s House in the mid 80’s, Sandra worked for BHK Head Start. She believed in the Montessori method of teaching. Many little ones went through My School over the years as they were preparing to enter Kindergarten.

Sandra has been a friend of Bill W. for over 40 years, something she took pride in.

Sandra was known for her eclectic style of decorating. Her home was her pride and joy and she lavishly decorated it to suit her needs. There are too many funny stories to share but many of us won’t forget the sense of humor our family has.

Besides her parents, Sandra was preceded in death by her brother John Liinanki and her son Donald James Bowden.

Surviving are her daughters Lynnda Bowden of Gladstone, Valerie Bowden of Escanaba and Michele (Steve) Harma of South Range. Her grandchildren Kimberly Maloney of Gladstone, Sethany (Charles) Leffingwell of Warren, Paige Loehr of Marquette and Allison Harma of South Range. Her brother Thomas (Patricia) Savola of Painesdale. She also leaves behind several cousins, nieces and nephews and many lifelong friendships. Our family would like to thank Portage Health and Hospice and the Omega House for the wonderful care she was given until the end.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 pm Sunday, July 18, 2021, at Grace Lutheran Church of South Range, with Revs. Miach Cavaleri & John Raapana to officiate. 

To view Sandra’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.

The Memorial Chapel & Plowe Funeral Home of Hancock is assisting the family with the arrangements.