Sandra Turner

Ms. Sandra J. Turner, 68, of West Lafayette, Indiana formerly of LaPorte, Indiana died Sunday, March 14, 2010 at St. Mary Healthcare in Lafayette, Indiana. She was born on August 6, 1941 in LaPorte, Indiana, the daughter of Louis and Irma Frederick Sawaluk. Sandra was a lifelong teacher and advocate for the underrepresented. She taught special needs, elementary, and adult students in the LaPorte and Michigan City School Systems from the 1960s through the 1980s. She served for several years as the director of the Fairview Youth Treatment Center in LaPorte and oversaw its growth and the development of a residential program for troubled youth. In 1988, she moved to Turlock California, where she worked in the Special Needs Department of Turlock Junior High School for fifteen years in teaching and administrative roles. She retired in 2003 and returned to Indiana. She is survived by her daughter, Dr. Tammy David Vorbeck Turner-Vorbeck of West Lafayette, IN; son, Robert Mary Delahanty Turner of Seattle, WA, and five grandchildren: Justin Vorbeck, Cassandra Vorbeck, Kristen Vorbeck, Esmeralda Turner, and Millicent Delahanty. Sandra was preceded in death by her beloved parents. Arrangements are being handled by Haverstock Funeral Home, 602 Maple Ave., LaPorte, IN. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Cremation will take place. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association 50 E. 91st St. STE 100 Indianapolis, Indiana 46209-4830 To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Sandra J. Turner please visit our Sympathy Store.