Full Obituary

     SANDRA “SANDY” L. BASHAW (nee Young), age 77, beloved wife of the late Ray Bashaw, and dear friend of Barbara Hendzel, passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at the Davita Dialysis Center in Chippewa Falls,  WI.
     Known for her easy laugh, tenacity, and positive outlook on life, Sandy touched the lives of those around her.  She was born on September 30, 1942, in Pittsburgh, PA.  Sandy moved to Florida, where she married her husband, Ray Phillip Bashaw, on May 17, 1981.  They moved to Thorp, WI, where Ray passed away on October 20, 1982.  Shortly after Ray’s death, Sandy became great friends with Barb Hendzel, and the entire Hendzel family considered Sandy part of their family.
     Sandy enjoyed shooting pool and socializing.  An avid Packer fan, she always had team spirit, wore her Packer attire gracefully, and always enjoyed "game day".  Sandy was a talented cook with a sophisticated cookbook collection.  She was known to bring delicious and creative dishes to family gatherings, where she often was asked for her recipes.  Sandy had a natural elegance about her, and her friends and family were always charmed when she called them “Darling”.
     She was an inspiration to those around her.  Despite significant health challenges later in life, Sandy was never seen complaining or being stressed out.   Instead, she was always planning a new trip or adventure, always determined to get better.  Sandy was always more interested in hearing about the lives of those around her, than in sharing her own worries.  Her unfailingly positive outlook in the face of anything life put in her path, and her fighting spirit, was and is, a great inspiration to those around her.
     Sandy is survived by her close friend: Barb Hendzel of Thorp;  Jean Hendzel and the late Walter J. Hendzel of Lublin, who were like parents to Sandy;  the Hendzel children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, including:  Walter (Marie) Hendzel,  Jr. of Chicago; Edward (Rachel) Hendzel of Gilman; Greg Sromek and the late Jean Sromek of Neillsville; Theresa (Ray) Kliscz of Lublin; and Laurie (Tom) Schertler of Chicago.  She will also be missed by her close-knit group of friends, and her two cats, Missy and Tippy, who she loved to spoil.
     Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Ray Bashaw.
     Funeral services will at 11am on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at Thorp Funeral Home, with Pastor John Sindler officiating.  Visitation will be held at the funeral home, on Saturday, 10am until time of service.  After services, a celebration of Sandy’s life will be held at Cindy’s Hall, 307 N. Washington Street, Thorp, WI.