Sandra J. Beauchamp
ESCANABA — Sandra J. Beauchamp, age 88, of Escanaba passed away Thursday, August 22, 2024 at OSF St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba. She was born May 26, 1936 in Houghton, Mich. and was the daughter of Joseph and Stella Gendzwill. She graduated from Houghton High School where she was crowned Michigan Tech’s Winter Carnival Queen. She attended Northern Michigan University receiving her bachelor’s degree in art education. After graduation she taught art in Alpena, Mich.
The former Sandra Gendzwill married John “Jack” Beauchamp on June 26, 1959 at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church in Houghton. Together the couple celebrated 64 years of marriage. They proudly raised their three children Jeanne, Mike, and Julie. They moved to St. Clair Shores and then settled in Escanaba in 1968. They were able to spend 20 happy winters together in Arizona.
Sandra was an artist in all she did; she was a gourmet cook who loved to throw phenomenal dinner parties, cultivated beautiful gardens, seamstress, potter, and early member of the East Ludington Gallery, and always had the best costumes and birthday parties for her children. She loved making jewelry and painting, and was known for her decadent desserts.
Sandra is survived by her children, Jeanne (Bill) Laakso of Green Bay, Wis., Mike (Lori) Beauchamp of Green Bay, Wis. and Julie (Jim) McLean of Salem, MA; grandchildren, Sam Laakso, Maria (Nick) Laakso Verheyden, Rockford Beauchamp, McKellin Beauchamp, Sean McLean and Collin McLean; along with several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by sister Joann Weingarten.
Visitation will be held from 12 to 1 p.m. Friday, August 30, at St. Anne Catholic Church in Escanaba. Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Sandra J. Beauchamp will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at St. Anne Catholic Church with Father Fran DeGroot officiating. A luncheon will be served following the funeral services in the church fellowship hall. Burial will take place in the Holy Cross Cemetery in Escanaba. The Anderson Funeral Homes are assisting the Beauchamp family and online remembrances can be shared at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.