Ishpeming-Sandra Ellen Bietila, age 56, of 176 Davis St, passed away Wednesday, September 10th, 2008 at Bell Hospital ER after a hard-fought battle with Leukemia.

Sandra was born in Ishpeming, Michigan on November 14, 1951, the daughter of Ralph and Patsy (Parks) Bietila. Sandra graduated from Ishpeming High School in 1969. She received a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Northern Michigan University, a Master's Degree in Criminology from Indiana State University and a Master's Degree from Roosevelt University (Chicago) with a paralegal certificate.

Sandra was one of the first woman miners for the Empire Mine. She worked many years in Chicago as the director of the Illinois Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty (ICADP). Upon her return to Ishpeming, she was the director of the Ishpeming Senior Center for 8 years. Following that she worked as a substitute teacher in the Ishpeming elementary schools and as a waitress at the Venice. She enjoyed going to the beach, knitting, reading, holding rummage sales and traveling with her son.

Sandra is survived by a son: Taylor Bietila of Ishpeming, parents: Ralph & Patsy Bietila of Ishpeming, a sister: Karen (Robert) Kakkuri of Ishpeming, a brother: Paul (Susan) Bietila of Milwaukee, WI, Nephews: Clint Kakkuri, Chad (Kim) Kakkuri, David (Mary Claire) Bietila, Eric Bietila, Niece: Renae (Jason) Collister, Aunts: Judy Whitehead of California and Jo Ann Douglas of Washington, and Uncle: John Deymonaz of Nevada, as well as a great-nephew, two great-nieces and numerous cousins.


The family will greet relatives and friends from 11:00AM until 1:00PM on Saturday, September 13, 2008 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home in Ishpeming where a memorial service will be held at 1 PM. A luncheon will follow the service at the Venice Supper Club in downtown Ishpeming.