Sandra Kirkland

On April 26, 2022, Sandra Kirkland unexpectedly left this world for the next, leaving behind her beloved daughter Ariel Kirkland, grandson Sylas Kirkland, her faithful, furry, giant rescue dog Goose, and many heartbroken friends.

A lover of life, the planet, animals (especially dogs and horses), and human-rights for all, Sandra was a passionate progressive long before the movement became popular. Her decades of experience in marketing, copywriting, and advertising, brought creative insight and bargaining brilliance into any cause she championed. There was not a campaign she was involved in that she did not exponentially impact!

With a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Toledo, and Masters in Marketing from Georgia State University, she took various industries by storm working marketing gigs in cities across the country. Early in her career she was an amazing high school teacher and drama club director. Later in life she carried that teaching talent to Mexico where she “retired” for a few years. She often asked “If you didn't know how old you are, how old would you be?” ... So, it was no surprise when she began teaching English to people from all walks of life in Oaxaca. Her students adored her encouraging spirit, vivaciousness, hilarious wit, and direct pragmatic approach to life. She loved them, and they loved he

Sandra was also a lover of good wine, beautiful art, music from many genres (notably jazz, blues & classical), and world travel. She continually educated herself until the day she left this planet and could discuss most anything with knowledge and perspective. She was simply a fascinating person to spend time with.

Above all, Sandra was an encourager who believed that all of us can accomplish anything. She was the first to encourage the discouraged, visit a friend in need, or to volunteer, and took time to speak to almost everybody she met. She wanted to know your name, looked you in the eye, and truly was interested in an answer when she asked, “How are you?”. And, if you were willing, Sandra was game for a great discussion (or good ole debate) anytime, anyplace.

There were no people more important to her than her family. Sandra was a single Mom and raised her beautiful daughter Ariel to be as feisty, intuitive, and brilliant as she was. 13 years ago, Sylas, her Grandson was born. Her cherished family ultimately drew her back to the USA and Chicago where she enjoyed the culture, vibrance, and energy of The Windy City.

In recent years, her greatest pleasure was spending time with her daughter and grandson, along with their myriad family of animals. For those of us whose life she touched, we cannot imagine a world without her.

Sandra once said, “Schmoozing is a learned art that one never loses.” We will celebrate Sandra’s wonderful, crazy life on Thursday, June 23rd, 2022, at Carol’s Pub, 4659 N Clark Street, Chicago Illinois starting at 6:30 pm. Please come, schmooze, and share your Sandra stories with us. If you’d like to contribute in any way, please visit the families Go Fund Me Page HERE (https://gofund.me/98d63446).

Sandra, we hope you are galloping in the clouds with your crazy mare Moriah ... Wild, free, and as exuberant as ever! We love you and we miss you.

"Wild women are an unexplainable spark of life. They ooze freedom and seek awareness; they belong to nobody but themselves yet give a piece of who they are to everyone they meet. If you have met one, hold on to her, she'll allow you into her chaos but she'll also show you her magic." Nikki Rowe