Sandra Lynne Gutmann

Sandra Lynne (Swenson) Gutmann, of Bolingbrook, Illinois, dedicated wife, loving mother and grandmother, friend of many, and longtime teacher and librarian, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 25, 2026 at the age of 86. Sandra was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Kenneth Gutmann and her parents, Roland Evan Swenson and Melba May (Crawford) Swenson. She is survived by her son, Scott Edward Gutmann; daughter, Stacy Lynne Chirio; son, Mark (Jennifer) Evan Gutmann; her grandchildren, Kyle Roland Gutmann, Claudia Lynne Chirio, Vincent Edward Chirio, and Jonathan Evan Gutmann.

Sandra was born April, 15th, 1940 and raised on the north side of Chicago. As an only child, she cherished the friendships she built through the "Chics" social club in grammar school, bonds that lasted throughout her school years. After graduating from Amundsen High School, she attended Bradley University, where she majored in Sociology and was a member of the Chi Omega sorority. She met her future husband, Ed, in college, and the two married shortly after graduation at the First United Methodist Church of Park Ridge, Illinois. They remained active members there for over 30 years, raising three kids and forming close friendships with many wonderful neighbors in Park Ridge. Sandra enjoyed a fulfilling career as a Chicago public school teacher and librarian, sharing her enthusiasm for art history and literature with her students along the way. She particularly loved the many years she taught at Everett McKinley Dirksen Elementary School. Sandra was also an avid photographer, capturing a lifetime of treasured family memories through her photos. In her early 60s, Sandra suffered a life-threatening illness that affected her memory, mobility, and vision. Through years of physical therapy and her unwavering strength of spirit, Sandra regained much of her vitality and independence. Even through this immensely difficult period, Sandra remained deeply engaged in the lives of her family and friends. She was kind, caring and supportive to all she knew, and will be dearly missed.

If you would like to honor Sandra's memory the family requests a donation be made to SitStayRead https://www.sitstayread.org