LOWERY—Sandra Louise, age 67, of Grand Rapids died January 15, 2023, of pancreatic cancer. Born December 4, 1955 to John “Jack” and Mary (Reynolds) Bek, Sandy graduated from Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) School (’70) and Catholic Central (CC) High School (’74). She then studied nursing at Mercy Central and later earned her degree from Ferris State University. Sandy worked as a surgical nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital for many years. In addition, she was a vital member of the Applied Innovation team since its inception, working payroll for 35 years. All while raising three children.
Throughout her life, Sandy was athletic, from competitive diving for the Jolly Rogers team as a youngster, to cheerleading at CC, and driving the golf ball a mile. She loved attending her ten grandchildren’s many sporting events. Always a generous hostess, Sandy especially relished Christmas Eve and 4th of July with bike parade and fireworks set to “Proud to Be an American.” She loved Journey, Jackson Browne, and local band Natchez Trace, reading, coffee, Riesling, and mayo on most foods.
An attentive friend and listener, Sandy embodied the blessings of forgiveness, gratitude, and unconditional love. Sandy was a woman of deep faith, a staunch advocate for the unborn, and a volunteer at HELP Pregnancy Aid for two decades. She went on to serve as its Board president and was instrumental in HELP’s current expansion plans. When her husband John bought her the lot next door to HELP as an anniversary gift, Sandy turned it into a beautiful rosary Garden of Life with statue of Madonna and child. She also served as IHM Women’s Guild president and chair of its Right to Life committee.
Sandy is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, John; daughter Megan (Mike) Tietema; sons Casey (Lindsay) and Kyle (Jessica) Lowery; grandchildren Owen, Ellie, Matthew and Peter Tietema, Cora, Jack, Henry, John, Caroline, and Teddy Lowery; brother John C. (Beri) Bek, and sisters Deb (Terry) Moore and Cindy Despres, all of Grand Rapids. She also leaves behind many dear nieces, nephews, and friends.
Visitation at IHM Church on Friday, Jan. 20, from 2-4 & 6-8, with a rosary at 8:00 pm. A funeral Mass of Christian Burial, Fr. Troy Nevins presiding, will be held on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 11:00 am at IHM Church, 1935 Plymouth S.E. 49506. Luncheon to immediately follow service. Interment at Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to HELP Pregnancy Aid’s “Vision 2025” campaign, 705 Bridge St. NW, 49504, or to the “Bek Family Scholarship Fund” of IHM’s Killgoar Foundation. The Lowery family thanks the hundreds of people who lifted Sandy up in prayer during her journey with cancer and especially during the last few weeks of her life. She and the family felt your love and strength.
70 Responses
We are so sorry for your loss.. praying for Gods peace and grace at this very difficult time!
The world will not be the same without Sandy in it. “Well done, my fine and faithful servant.”
Building a business and family in marital partnership-well done! Prayers to you John and your family. Jim Kenyon
We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Lowery family.
I am so sorry for your loss. Sandy was an amazing person and I am grateful I had the pleasure of meeting and working with her. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
We are so sorry for the loss of Sandy. She was an amazing woman and we are grateful for the last nearly 11 years we have had the pleasure of knowing her. She was always so welcoming, caring, and so full of life at every event and we are honored to be a part of the life and company she helped build.
John, Casey and family: You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Sending you all of the love and light. Our hearts are with you.
Sandy will be sadly missed, but widely remembered as a faithfilled dynamo in the fight for LIFE. May the family feel God’s loving arms around them at this difficult time, while celebrating all the happy memories of which she was a huge part! We’ll done good & faithful servant!
SANDY WILL BE GREATLY MISSED, and WIDELY REMEMBERED FOR TOO MANY ACCOMPLISHMENTS TO LIST. HER ZEST FOR LIFE IS UNDENIABLE!
MAY THE FAMILY & FRIENDS FEEL GOD’S LOVING ARMS AROUND THEM DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME, AS SHE IS REMEMBERED FOR THE BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES OF WHICH SHE WAS AN INTRECAL PART.
John, Casey and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Praying for you during this difficult time.
Your friends at Family Research Council.
Our deepest sympathies to the Lowery family. I only have known Sandy for a few years, while working with her on the HELP building expansion project. I wish I had known her longer. She was such a warm and faithful person. God bless her soul and comfort the family. Joe and Jean Stojak
John: Continued prayers are being lifted for you and your family in the loss of Sandy.
What a loss for us but what joy Sandy now experiences in glory. Prayers continue for the Lowery family and friends.
Our loss is heaven’s gain. You showed us how to live and how to die as a CHILD OF GOD!
Our loss is heaven’s gain. She showed us how to live and how to die, and we will miss her at IHM in so very many ways! Love and prayers for peace to all her dear family. Mary Passinault
My condolences to the Lowery Family. I had the pleasure of meeting Sandy on one occasion at a Company meeting, and she welcomed me with such kindness that it felt like I had been apart of Applied Innovation for years. She will be missed dearly, God Bless you all.
A light in the darkness, I thank God for Sandy! Neighbor, fellow worker in Christ’s vineyard, inspiration and faithful friend. She will be missed but I take great consolation in knowing that she joins the IHM army of saints interceding for us! Rest in peace, Sandy.
Sandy Lowery was loved by many, and certainly loved by our family. Our prayers and condolences to the entire Lowery Family. May you find peace in a very difficult time.
Loved her so much. One of the absolute best people I have ever, and will ever know. Will never forget her.
Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow. My heart is with you at this difficult time.
Ooooooh, John… AND family… I am SO sorry to learn of Sandy’s passing. She was SUCH a Sweetheart! She ALWAYS made me feel Most welcome at both business and family events. It’s been a Lot of years, but Sandy was an absolute Delight, Always!
I trust in The Lord to give you All, His peace and solace at this most trying time, and great comfort in KNOWING that Sandy is now Dancing with OTHER Angels.
God Bless,
Bill Stockreef
We give our condolences the Lowery family. Sandy was a very wonderful person
Mike & Michele Rosen
We are so sorry to hear of Sandy’s passing. She was truly a bright light and blessing to all who knew her. I feel so grateful to have known her myself. We will continue to pray for your family, specifically that the Lord will give you all strength as you navigate this challenging time. Heaven definitely gained a wonderful woman.
With love,
Adam and Morgan Grinwis
As friends of the Konynenbelts, and acquaintances of your family, we know what a dear friend and mentor Sandy was to so many. We are sorry for your loss. She led a life of significance.
The world just lost a deep well of kindness–let’s use our collective memories to fill it back up as best we can. John, take good care.
Our deepest condolesences from the Buzzell family in Australia. We love Sandy and the Lowery family. Sandy was the rarest of beautiful souls who will be greatly missed by all of us.
We are so deeply saddened to learn of Sandy’s passing. She was an amazing woman who’s smile and personality always lit up a room. Our heats are broken with sadness, but we will Always remember and cherish the times with her. To the Lowery family, our condolences and prayers are with you. God Bless.
Having lived through the experience of my wife succumbing to the same illness, there are no words to express my sorrow for John and his beautiful family.
My condolences and prayers to John, and the entire family. Her passing leaves a big hole in our IHM family, but her impact will surely have lasting memories. We are all saddened, but heaven is rejoicing, “Well done, good and faithful servant”
So sorry to hear this sad news of Sandy’s passing.
.Heartfelt sympathies to John and all family members and friends. Heaven gained another Angel.
John, I am so sorry to learn of Sandy’s battle with pancreatic cancer, it’s a terrible disease. My prayers are with you and your family.
Sandy was a good nurse and a kind person. We worked together for years. Love to all her family at this difficult time.
Such a loss of a great, life champion.
May you find peace in the joy of God
and in His loving care all heavens little
angels be with you.
Our deepest condolences in this difficult time. We will keep the Lowery family in our prayers as you grieve and heal during this season.
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Lowery family.
Prayers are with the Lowery family at this time. May Sandy rest in peace.
Prayers are with the Lowery family. May Sandy rest in peace.
So very sorry to you and yours on such a devastating loss. Our thoughts and prayers and with all of the Lowery’s during this terrible time.
John we are so very sorry to hear of the loss of Sandy. Every time I had the chance to visit with her it was good. We will keep you your sons and daughter and grandkids in our prayers going forward. Jesus Christ blessings to you in the upcoming days and months.
Condolences from the Ysasi family. You are all in our prayers.
Dear John and family, our hearts go out to you. Sandy will be missed. We’re humbled by the many ways she has served God and community. May she rest in peace now, waiting for the day when she can be reunited with all of you. ❤️
John and Sandy did it the right way. What a beautiful life. You will be missed by so many. Many prayers to the Lowery family.
Dear John and Family, I just found out about Sandy’s passing. My heart breaks for all of you. Cancer isn’t very discriminating. I hate it. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Aunt Dorothy in Colorado
I am so deeply saddened by the loss of Sandy. Matriarch of The Lowery Family, Sandy’s presence will live on in her amazing children, grandchildren and one day, their children. We shall keep the faith and look forward to meeting up with Sandy on the tee or green or boardroom. My warmest regards to you.
Sandy was always so kind and welcoming! I am so very sorry for your loss. The world will be a little dimmer without her on this earth. May her soul, through the Mercy of God, Rest in Peace.
Sending prayers and love for the Lowery family! Sandy was always generous, kind, and full of enthusiasm for family, the Applied team members, and the needs of the Grand Rapids communities. So very thankful to have enjoyed her company every time we could visit.
Sandy was such a kind and amazing person. I am lucky to have had the pleasure of knowing her. Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.
We were praying for a miracle, but God had other plans. He will surely reward Sandy for protecting His children. Now our prayers go out for John and the rest of her loving family.
We were praying for a miracle, but God had other plans. He will surely reward Sandy for protecting His children. Now our prayers go out for John and his loving family.
I am so very sorry to hear of Sandy’s passing. We grew up as family friends and Sandy was always funny, generous and so kind. She made the world a better place. Hugs and prayers to the entire Lowery family. Chris Hock and family
So deeply sorry for your loss. I know she was a devoted follower of Jesus, a worker in His Kingdom. And now at rest with Him. ❤️
John, Cheryl and I are so very sorry to hear about your loss. May the Lord give you peace during this trying time.
I will truely miss Sandy
When she would see me at an event or at Corp She always came up to talk to me
But when I was helping her finish the new Cabin, she always treated me like family, not Just a Contractor
I will think about you often
RIP
Dan
John,
You and your family are in our prayers. I never knew Sandy personally, but I’ve heard nothing but great things about her. Sending our deepest condolences and comfort for your loss.
Dawn Rosser & family
Dear John and Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this trying time, God bless.
John & family,
Sorry for your loss.
Sandy was a wonderful person to know & to work with. She was my team leader & I was her secretary in the OR. Worked many years.
She will be missed dearly.
My prayers are with you & family.
Sandy’s kindness and generosity will always be a part of everyone who she came to know. She will be greatly missed by the AI family and the community. The Gaetz family is praying for her to find peace.
John, Casey & Lowery Family: My heart pours out to you and family for your loss. I did not have the pleasure of meeting Sandy personally, but I have heard nothing but the positive impact she had with various organizations and what a wonderful person she was to everyone who knew her. Please accept my deepest condolences.
My condolences to the Lowery Family. I met Sandy only a few times, but she was always very warm and welcoming. I have no doubt that she will be missed dearly by all whom she touched over the years. God Bless you all.
John,
So sorry to hear about your loss. I know the pain you are feeling. My wife passed away in May of 2020. You got my address from Ian Crockett and we’re so kind to send me a beautiful plant which is still thriving on my patio.
John Novak, the California voice of your radio commercials.
My prayers for God’s comforting arms to surround your family at this time of loss. Sandy seemed larger than life at the Applied company party this summer. We mourn this emptiness but rejoice with her dancing with Jesus.
I am so sorry for your loss of Sandy. I worked with her at Saint Mary’s. She was always cheerful and smiling. My favorite memory was how she would sleep through her alarms and always needed a call to get up. Loved her humor and compassion. She will be missed.
So sorry for your loss. Thinking and praying for you and your family John.
Dear John, Casey, and the Lowery family,
Thinking of you all as you celebrate Sandy’s life today. My heart goes out to you for the loss of your wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. Sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this difficult time.
Sandy was always so kind, she made our family feel welcome from the first time we met and as we got to know her more we found much in common. It was a blessing to have had the opportunity to spend time with her. She and all of the Lowery Family are in our hearts and prayers.
I will always miss her calling me bye my full name Nicholas, and her famous grilled pb&j’s… Mrs lowery treated me like the individual I was with love and parentage. Sandy always made me feel MOST welcome, wether at her house or running randomly into her outside or at a work event ..I have never had a negative interaction with her, like Kyle says she was a saint!! Someone to be greatly and unequivocally missed. Xoxoxooxo
To John and the entire Lowery family – We are sorry to hear the so very sad news of Sandy’s passing. We knew Sandy a short while when our kids were young and in school. She always had a bright smile and kind words for us. She will be missed.
I worked in surgery with Sandy. She was a wonderful nurse and when she was team leading, it was always a good day.
John. You and Sandy had a great partnership and built a great family and great company together. It’s my good fortune to know you both. God speed
Sandy was a delightful, warm soul. We worked together in surgery at St Mary’s. She had that natural, welcoming nature. My heart breaks for you and your family.
I graduated year a year before Sandie at immaculate heart and Catholic Central. I will always remember her, she was always such a friendly and kind person. She always took the time to say hello! Rest in peace Sandie.
I am so sorry for your family’s loss . I’m a childhood and Highschool friend of Casey and she was one of my favorite Moms.! She most certainly will be missed and my thoughts and prayers are with the family!!