Sandra Grabnik

Sandra (Sandi) Grabnik passed away on October 10th , 2026 following a battle with breast cancer. Sandra was born November 20, 1947 in Rochelle, Illinois, to the late Raymond and Ethel DeVore.

Sandra attended Stillman Valley High School in Stillman Valley, Illinois and graduated from Illinois State University in 1969. Following college, Sandra met Bob Grabnik in 1970 and later married him in 1971. Together, Sandi and Bob had two children, Tara and Tad. Sandi and Bob lived in Columbus Georgia when they were first married as Bob was serving in the Army. While in Georgia, Sandi worked at a country music radio station which she truly enjoyed. When they moved back to Illinois, Sandi taught special education at Wauconda High School.

Teaching was her true passion in life, but Sandi stepped away from that career to stay at home with her children while they were young. Once her children were in middle school, she returned to teaching 5th Grade in Beach Park, Illinois. After retiring in 2002, Sandi and Bob relocated to Seneca, South Carolina where they enjoyed boating, golfing, games and dinner nights with friends and neighbors.

Most of all, Sandi loved when her family and friends came to visit her in South Carolina. In 2018, Sandi and Bob returned to Winthrop Harbor, Illinois to be close to their children and grandchildren. Sandi loved teaching and remained in touch with several of her students up until the time of her passing. That is a true testament to the positive influence she had on those she taught. She was an avid reader who enjoyed book clubs, bunco, cheering on the Chicago White Sox, and golfing.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, Raymond and Ethel DeVore, her in-laws, Anton and Ann Grabnik, and her husband, Bob. She is survived by her daughter, Tara (Les) Niemi, her son , Tad (Ellie Ryan), brother, Raymond DeVore, Jr., sister Debbie Hutchison, and grandchildren Aidan Niemi, Ella Grabnik, Cody Grabnik, and Jude Grabnik Ryan. 

Those she leaves behind will remember her infectious smile and her ability to make others laugh, even when she wasn’t trying.

A visitation will be held at Congdon’s Funeral Home Saturday, October 24th from 10AM- 12PM, followed by a service at 12PM. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to the United Spinal Association