Sandra K. "Cookie" Sobieralski

   Sandra K “Cookie” Sobieralski, 76, of South Bend, Indiana, daughter of Elmer and Anna Zsedely and sister of Elmer, Michael, Marlene, and Victor passed away February 2, 2021 due to complications stemming from a long and valiant battle with cancer. 

  She was preceded in death by both of her parents as well as her brothers Elmer, Michael, Victor, and her longtime partner, Raymond DeMeyer.  She is survived by her sister Marlene “Marty” Lentych of South Bend, Indiana, daughter and son-in-law Dawn and Michael McCoy of South Bend, Indiana, son and daughter-in-law Damian and Nicole Sobieralski of Indianapolis, Indiana, son Dominic Sobieralski of South Bend, Indiana,  and grandsons Ryan McCoy of South Bend, Indiana and Dedric Wray-Sobieralski of Ann Arbor, Michigan along an abundance of nieces, nephews. 

  Cookie enjoyed British mysteries -especially Poirot and Miss Marple, was a huge Harry Potter fan, participated in indoor and outdoor gardening, cooking, crocheting, crossword and word finder puzzles, loved long drives with no destination in mind, and spending time with family and friends.  She was a huge animal lover and an advocate for education.  This love for animals led Sandra to open a grooming shop and no-kill animal shelter in the 1990s, named Gentle Touch Grooming in Mishawaka, Indiana, which saved hundreds of animals in the area from euthanasia before closing its doors in 2000.  Not only that, but Sandra also sheltered at-risk teens in the late 1980s where she pushed education and family values to help give these teens a family and the support that they needed to blossom and flourish to ultimately lead productive lives.  Prior to these passions, Sandra served as an apartment manager for the Holladay Corporation where she managed both Portage Place apartments in South Bend, Indiana and West Jefferson Apartments in Mishawaka, Indiana. 

  Sandra will be sorely missed by friends, family, and every person who she encountered.  She was a beacon of light for many of her fellow cancer patients whose spirits she would lift in the waiting room in hopes that she could make their day just a little bit brighter.  Any monetary contributions can be forwarded to the Center for Hospice Care in her name, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, Indiana, 46545. 

  There will be no formal services scheduled at this time. An informal Celebration of Sandra's Life is tentatively planned for later this spring and close friends and family will be notified.

  HANLEY and Sons Funeral Homes is assisting Sandra's family with final arrangements and wish to extend their condolences and heartfelt prayers to all of her family and friends.

  Condolences may be expressed at: www.hanleyandsonsfuneralhomes.net

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