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Sandra Andersen Blanchard, 79, of Cincinnati, OH passed away on Friday August 25, 2023 in hospice care after battling cancer. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Robert T. Blanchard; her three daughters: Jill (Portland, OR), Kelly (Chicago, IL) and Laura (Cincinnati OH); her four grandchildren: Julia and Sofia Ferro (Cincinnati, OH) and Oliver and Vivian Kuhn (Chicago, IL); and her brother and sister-in-law Stevan and Martha Andersen (Arlington, NE).

Sandy was born to Ansel and Jean Andersen in Harlan, IA and was raised on her family's farm near Arlington, NE. A true farm girl, she developed a deep love for animals and the land and was actively involved in her community's 4-H youth programs. She continued to be an avid gardener and devoted to her many pets throughout her life. Sandy attended a one-room schoolhouse through the eighth grade, and went on to graduate from Arlington High School and the University of Nebraska, majoring in journalism and home economics. She then earned a job at Procter & Gamble in Cincinnati, where she met her future husband, Bob.

Sandy and Bob were married in 1972, and soon welcomed three daughters. In 1984 the young family moved from Cincinnati to Brussels, Belgium and had unforgettable adventures living and traveling internationally for two years. Sandy's enthusiasm for music, theater, and dance led the family to see numerous plays, musicals, and operas all over Europe. She continued to enjoy attending shows of all kinds after returning to the US and passed on her love of the arts to her children.

Sandy gave her passion and commitment not only to her own children, but also to children in foster care. She was a volunteer at ProKids for three decades, serving as Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), Guardian ad Litem, administrator of ProKids funds provided by Neediest Kids of All, and mentor to numerous other volunteers. Her generous wisdom and competence helped countless children in the foster system navigate to successful adulthood.

Sandy and Bob have been members of Knox Presbyterian Church for over twenty years. Sandy was a kind, loving, and dedicated person and her impact will live on. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all the children she helped.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, 10 AM at Knox Presbyterian Church (3400 Michigan Ave.) with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, Sandy's family asks that contributions be sent to ProKids, Hospice of Cincinnati or Knox Presbyterian Church.

Online condolences may be made at www.springgrove.org

~~~Obituaries courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair, Nebraska Public Library~~~

Find a Grave Memorial #259753103