Jean Lois Sandstrom
Jean Lois Sandstrom
Jean Lois Sandstrom, 64, of Des Moines, passed away Thursday, December 26, at MercyOne Hospice in Johnston, Iowa. Jean was born to Albert and Irene Sandstrom in Owatonna, Minnesota. The youngest of three daughters, Jean developed a talent for art -- especially drawing horses -- at a very early age. Her passion for music also began in childhood, with piano and violin lessons. She and her sisters enjoyed playing their violins together, especially at Christmas time. After graduating from Owatonna High School in 1973, Jean joined the orchestra of the "Performing Arts Abroad" program, participating in concerts in several major European cities.
Jean attended Drake University and earned a bachelor of fine arts degree in printmaking in 1977. After college she was employed as an illustrator for National Handcraft in Des Moines. In 1980 she married Darwin Norris, and though they divorced in 1985, they remained friends -- a testament to Jean's caring nature.
She returned to school to study engineering at Iowa State University, where she met Andy Shaffer in the commuter club, traveling back and forth to scho...[more]
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Jean received her degree in civil engineering and married Andy in May of 1987. She was employed by Bishop Engineering, and in 1990 she accepted a position with the federal government's Natural Resources Conservation Service. She worked at NRCS for 27 years (with a two-year break for parental leave). Wherever she was employed, she was deeply appreciated for her careful, accurate work and her kind and gentle demeanor.
In March of 1995, Jean and Andy welcomed Neal Park Sandstrom Shaffer into their family upon his arrival from South Korea at the age of six months. Jean was a devoted and loving mother. Beyond her family, Jean touched many people throughout her life, making friends wherever she went. She was an advocate for peace, human rights, social justice and preservation of the environment. For several years she was active in the Korean Cultural Center, and was a member of the Des Moines Community Orchestra. She played violin and viola in a variety of settings throughout her life. For more than 20 years she was a member of the Des Moines Valley Friends Meeting (Quaker), where she served in many capacities, including most recently as co-clerk.
Jean is survived by her husband, Andrew Shaffer; one son, Neal Shaffer of Des Moines (fiancée Noëmie Sollier of Sorèze, France); two sisters, Judith (Peter Kohn) Sandstrom of Chicago, Illinois, and Janet (Polk) Davison of Des Moines; one niece, Erin (Brad) Davison-Rippey of Des Moines; a great-nephew, a great-niece, and several cousins.
A Quaker memorial service will be held Saturday, January 4, at 11:00 a.m. in Waveland Hall at Plymouth Church, 4126 Ingersoll Avenue in Des Moines. Beginning at 10:00 a.m., the family will greet friends prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Des Moines Valley Friends Meeting, 4211 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312.
To read the full obituary, please click here: http://iowafuneralplanning.com/obituary/jean-lois-sandstrom/
