Sandra Friesen

Sandra Shoemaker Friesen died peacefully on May 14, 2024, from complications of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

She was born November 7, 1952, in Freeport, Illinois to Donald and June (Litwiller) Shoemaker.

Sandra was married on April 24, 1976, in Elkhart, Indiana to Douglas Friesen who survives, along with adaughter, Rachel Friesen English (Shaun) of Portland, Oregon; two sisters: Joyce (John) Yoder of Angola, Indiana, and Nelda (Bill) Wittig of Coralville, Iowa, and many nieces and nephews.

Sandra’s childhood was spent on a farm in Dakota, Illinois, from which she drew lessons which guided her throughout her life.  Her happiest moments were spent around a table of coffee and treats with her family and friends.  Her pies were legendary.  Period.  She was most nourished by the communal frivolity and wisdom attained by listening to and laughing with those who gathered at her table.  Sandra had a way with words, and her quick wit and curated puns were enjoyed by all.  She is remembered by many who would eagerly await eloquent Christmas letters with hilarious vignettes of life and genealogy.  Her spirituality wove through the ordinary, simple, and divine moments shared with others.

Sandra’s education came from a life-long love of reading, supplemented by degrees from Hesston (KS) College, Goshen (IN) College, and the University of Notre Dame.

Vocationally, she worked at ADEC, CAPS, United Way, and Elkhart General Hospital in various positions.  But she would say that her favorite job was being one half of a reading/acting duo, the Blue Moon Book-tellers, that performed children’s literature in schools, libraries, and bookstores. She was a member of College Mennonite Church, Horizons Sunday School Class, and a delightful women’s book club.

Sandra noticed and delighted in others’ gifts and talents.  What she didn’t like was for someone to notice her, but we did anyway and her spirit will stay with us.

Sandra was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Larry Shoemaker.

Visitation will be at College Mennonite Church, 1900 S. Main Street Goshen, Indiana, on Sunday, May 19 from 1:00 – 2:30 pm.  A memorial service will be held at College Mennonite Church following the visitation at 3:00 pm and can be live streamed at https://collegemennonite.org/watch .  Her cremains will be scattered in the presence of her immediate family in the College Mennonite Church Memorial Garden.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Jubilee Fund at College Mennonite Church (1900 S.Main Street; Goshen, IN 46526) or to Goshen College Music Center (1700 S. Main Street; Goshen, IN 46526).  Or just take a friend out for coffee and enjoy each other’s company.