Sandra 'Sandy' Wells

Sandra “Sandy” Wells, 72, of Grand Forks, North Dakota passed away Thursday, March 29, 2018 at her home after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Sandy Louise Uithof was born Feb. 17, 1946 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, the daughter of the late Albert and Henrietta (Bedard) Uithof. She moved with her family to Libby, and at the age of twelve became a citizen of the United States. She graduated from Libby High School, class of 1964. Sandy married Charles “Charly” Wells on Aug. 22, 1970 in Libby, and together they had two children. In 1968, she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Portland in Portland, Oregon and in 1984, received her Master of Science degree in Nursing Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington, Texas.

Sandy dedicated her life to teaching others through the field of nursing, ranging from young children in England to nurses on the floor at the hospital to college students. Her love of people, technology and curiosity made her a lifelong learner, mentor and teacher. Charly preceded her in death on Jan. 30, 2018.

Sandy loved to spend time with family and friends. Her hobbies included keeping up on the news around the world, knitting, cross-stitch, driving her four-wheeler to admire pelicans and unique birds, visiting over a cup of coffee, planting and admiring flowers. She also enjoyed sitting around the campfire listening to geese fly over and waving at the planes.

Sandy is survived by her daughters, Therez (Arnie) Sevigny of Grand Forks, North Dakota and Michelle (Lane) McIlvoy of Lynden, Washington; her brothers, Robert (Linda) Uithof and Guy (Deanna) Uithof, both of Libby; grandchildren, Ryan Iverson, Ashley Iverson, Matthew Grady, Luke McIlvoy and Sophie McIlvoy; sisters-in-law Ayn Stehr of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Mary (Stephen) Parker of Boyce, Louisiana; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Sandy was preceded in death by her parents and her loving husband, Charly, whom she joined in heaven on his birthday.

The family wishes to acknowledge Dr. James Brosseau for his tremendous care through the years, as well as Dr. Todor Dentchev, Altru’s Cancer Center, Chaplain Gwenn Bazajou and Altru Hospice for their service.

The family is grateful for your condolences. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Altru Cancer Center, 960 South Columbia Road, Grand Forks, ND 58201.

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, April 7, 2018 at Christus Rex Lutheran Center at 3012 University Avenue, Grand Forks, ND 58203.

The memorial registry may be signed at www.normanfuneral.com.