Obituary of Sandra N. Gunnarson

Sandra N. "Sandie" Gunnarson, 78, of State College, died Thursday, February 16, 2023, at her daughter's home surrounded by her family.

Born August 30, 1944, in Chicago, IL, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Elvida Guttlevic Gunnarson.

She is survived by three children, Mark Cavins of Chicago, IL, Dawn Grimes and her husband, Greg, of State College and Todd Cavins and his wife, Liz, of Port St. Lucie, FL; two sisters, Gloria, of Rhinelander Wisconsin and Edith, of Las Vegas Nevada; four grandchildren and 4 great granddaughters, Ryan Veeder, his wife, Natalie and their two children, Sadie and Hannah, Dan Veeder, his wife, Sara and their two children, Holly and Colleen, Mitch Veeder and his wife, Stevi, and Melanie Veeder; She is also survived by her beloved dog, Roxie.

Sandie was known by all as a feisty, independent, strong, and inspirational person who loved her career in nursing. In her spare time, she loved to vacation. She had a passion for water and thoroughly enjoyed cruising. Her most favorite adventure was cruising and white water rafting in Alaska-a gift she gave herself for her 50th birthday. She had a strong-devoted love for our family's Norwegian heritage. She spoke of past relatives very often and was most proud of where we came from-and the family members who inspired her. She believed in helping others and spent her lifetime as a nurse specializing in critical and trauma care in Illinois and California. No emergency was too much for her. She strived on that kind of adrenalin She absolutely adored all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Along with Roxie, they were the loves of her life.

She earned a Bachelor of Science from Chapman University and a Master of Science from St. Francis University. Sandie served in the United States Navy in 1964.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family.

Online condolences may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.