Sandra (“Joey”) Oliver-Noesen, 87, most recently of St. Charles, died of natural causes on Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022. She began her career as a special education teacher at Mann Elementary School in Oak Park. Having many distinguishable talents, she was quickly promoted to director of Special Education for Oak Park School District 97, a position she held until her retirement in 1993. She took great pride in her family and enjoyed hearing about everyone’s successes, playing Cribbage and word games, and reading the paper daily. She loved fresh fruit of all kinds, raspberries and Rainier cherries being her favorites. A true role model to many, she was like a pearl, made from grit, but full of grace. She lost her father, Kenneth, at a very young age. Her mother later married Edward Morris, who, with Sandra’s mother, raised her as his own. Sandra will live in our hearts as a radiant soul.
Sandra was the daughter of the late Kenneth Dean Hurst and Helen Mae (Holm) Hurst; the sister of Donice Ruppel and Linda Jennings; the mother of son Kirk (Jan), grandson Kenny and daughter Julie (dec. 1961); son Scott (Laura), grandchildren Patrick and Julia; and daughter Kirsten (Doug) Pagacz. She was preceded in death in 2009 by her husband of 25 years, Thomas L. Noesen (children: John, Scott, Mark, Judy, Tom Jr., Ray, Steve, Mary and Laura). Also preceding her in death were her first husband, Gerald D. Millhouse, and former husband, Frank Oliver.
A memorial service will be held in her honor at Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home, 17W201Roosevelt Road, Oakbrook Terrace, on Wednesday, Feb. 16, from 4 to 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to Sarah’s Inn, a shelter for women and children, at sarahsinn.org.