Sandy Erickson
1943-07-25 2024-11-26
Sandy passed peacefully in hospice care on November 26, 2024. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, love, creativity, friends, and family.
Sandy was born on July 25, 1943 in Madison, Wi. She grew up in Hopkins and graduated from Hopkins High School. During the raising of her three children Sandy saw the lack of a college education was limiting her potential. That realization and her focused drive culminated in a MFA degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder. The degree opened the door to a 33 year career as an art teacher and mentor for students of all ages. Throughout her career she received recognition and many awards for her work; she was a finalist for the Disney American Teacher Of the Year. This grand event ended on stage, in Hollywood, with the CEO of Disney and Mickey Mouse by her side.
Though small in stature Sandy was an adventuress. She love the big blue sunny skies of the West. Her favorite activities were skiing, hiking, and white water rafting. The most memorable river trips were her two rafting treks in the Grand Canyon with her bestie Marilyn and crew.
Sandy was not only a fine teacher, but an artist. She faithfully went to her weekly life art drawing co-ops. This was in addition to practicing Yoga, enjoying her book club mates, and creating lovely gardens.
Sandy was married to Dick Seelye for 23 years. Though they dated in high school each went their separate ways only to rekindle their love after meeting again at the 30th class reunion. Over the next 30 years they enriched each other's lives through travel, camping, their lake home , Miata drives, and relishing being with each other.
The marriage merged 2 families. Sandy's children Liz Rose (Curtis) and Chris Leslie joined Dick's children Laura Altman (Chris) and Megan Hoffmann (Jamie). The grandchildren from ages 31 to 4 brought great joy to her. She cherished them all. They are: Liz (Maggie, Mason, Ellie), Chris (Jack), Laura (Addie, Chloe, Ava, Ellie), and Megan (Olivia, Hudson). Sandy was preceded in death by her parents Gordon and Leone Erickson and her son Greg Leslie. She is survived by her husband Dick Seelye and her sister Karen Jackson.
Sandy was born on July 25, 1943 in Madison, Wi. She grew up in Hopkins and graduated from Hopkins High School. During the raising of her three children Sandy saw the lack of a college education was limiting her potential. That realization and her focused drive culminated in a MFA degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder. The degree opened the door to a 33 year career as an art teacher and mentor for students of all ages. Throughout her career she received recognition and many awards for her work; she was a finalist for the Disney American Teacher Of the Year. This grand event ended on stage, in Hollywood, with the CEO of Disney and Mickey Mouse by her side.
Though small in stature Sandy was an adventuress. She love the big blue sunny skies of the West. Her favorite activities were skiing, hiking, and white water rafting. The most memorable river trips were her two rafting treks in the Grand Canyon with her bestie Marilyn and crew.
Sandy was not only a fine teacher, but an artist. She faithfully went to her weekly life art drawing co-ops. This was in addition to practicing Yoga, enjoying her book club mates, and creating lovely gardens.
Sandy was married to Dick Seelye for 23 years. Though they dated in high school each went their separate ways only to rekindle their love after meeting again at the 30th class reunion. Over the next 30 years they enriched each other's lives through travel, camping, their lake home , Miata drives, and relishing being with each other.
The marriage merged 2 families. Sandy's children Liz Rose (Curtis) and Chris Leslie joined Dick's children Laura Altman (Chris) and Megan Hoffmann (Jamie). The grandchildren from ages 31 to 4 brought great joy to her. She cherished them all. They are: Liz (Maggie, Mason, Ellie), Chris (Jack), Laura (Addie, Chloe, Ava, Ellie), and Megan (Olivia, Hudson). Sandy was preceded in death by her parents Gordon and Leone Erickson and her son Greg Leslie. She is survived by her husband Dick Seelye and her sister Karen Jackson.