Donna Sandin, 90, joined her heavenly family on October 13, 2021. She spent her final two months at the home of her daughter in Urbandale enjoying some much-deserved pampering and love from her family and friends. Donna was born on January 15, 1931, in Lenox, Iowa, to John and Hilda Wurster and was raised on the family farm.
Donna came to Des Moines as a bookkeeper and met the love of her life at Arthur Murray’s Dance Studio. She was united in marriage to Roger Sandin in 1958, and together they had three children. You rarely ever saw Donna without her sister Darlene by her side. They built their homes next door to each and lived as neighbors for 43 years. Donna was an active member of Highland Park Presbyterian Church in Des Moines for 58 years until its closing. Members of the congregation were like family to her and she loved them all.
Donna became an Avon representative in 1973 and was dedicated to her customers for 47 years. She was still making friends and new customers well into her 80’s and loved helping those around her. Donna’s gentleness, exceeding generosity and humbleness made her; a dedicated Deacon of the church, a caring neighbor, a gifted volunteer grandparent, a loving friend, and a wonderful Mother and Grandmother. Her baking (especially cupcakes) showered those around her with a special kind of sweetness. Donna also loved to go on bike rides, pick berries, and spend time with her grandkids. Donna is survived by her son David (Liz) Sandin of Tucson, Arizona, son Robert Sandin of Woodward, Iowa, daughter Julie (Mark) Brady of Urbandale, Iowa, grandchildren Chantelle Sandin, Richelle Sandin, Jenna Brady, and Nicholas Brady. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her sister Darlene Waggoner. A celebration of life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, November 22nd, at Merle Hay Funeral Home at 4400 Merle Hay Road in Des Moines with interment for both Roger and Donna to follow. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Special Olympics Iowa. A special thank you goes out to Unity Point Hospice for their loving care and guidance over the last few months.
