Ms. Sandra J. Turner, 68, of West Lafayette, IN, and formerly of LaPorte, died Sunday, March 14, 2010, at St. Mary Healthcare in Lafayette.
She was born Aug. 6, 1941, in LaPorte, the daughter of Louis and Irma (Frederick) Sawaluk.
Sandra was a lifelong teacher and advocate for the underrepresented. She taught special needs, elementary and adult students in the LaPorte and Michigan City school systems from the 1960s through the 1980s. She served for several years as director of Fairview Youth Treatment Center in LaPorte and oversaw its growth and development of a residential program for troubled youth. In 1988, she moved to Turlock, CA, where she worked in the Special Needs Department of Turlock Junior High School for 15 years in teaching and administrative roles. She retired in 2003 and returned to Indiana.
She is survived by her daughter, Dr. Tammy (David Vorbeck) Turner-Vorbeck of West Lafayette; son, Robert (Mary Delahanty) Turner of Seattle, WA; and five grandchildren: Justin Vorbeck, Cassandra Vorbeck, Kristen Vorbeck, Esmeralda Turner, and Millicent Delahanty.
Sandra was preceded in death by her beloved parents.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Cremation will take place. Haverstock Funeral Home, LaPorte, is handling arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 50 E. 91st St., Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46209-4830.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.
