Sandra Lee Kosik

Sandra (Sandy) passed away peacefully at home on December 31, 2024, in Southfield, Michigan, at the age of 82 after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. Born on May 6, 1942, in Rochester, New York, Sandra was the beloved daughter of Ellis and Doris Henry. In 1950, the family relocated to Saint Petersburg, Florida, where Sandra graduated from Northeast High School in 1960. Sandra’s passion for serving others led her to pursue a career in nursing, earning her degree from Florida State University College of Nursing. Sandra began her career as a public health nurse in New York where her dedication to the community heath flourished. With a desire to deepen her expertise, Sandra moved to Michigan and earned a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Michigan. That is where she met the love of her life, John. Throughout her distinguished career, Sandra was deeply committed to maternal child health, where she developed longstanding relationships with the public health community. Her dedication was recognized when the American Public Health Association awarded her Public Health Nurse of the year and presented it to her in New Orleans surrounded by her loved ones. Sandra’s career culminated at Oakland County Health Department, where she served as the director of the Substance Abuse program. Even after retirement Sandra’s passion for improving lives remained steadfast. She played an instrumental role in founding the Alliance of Coalitions for Healthy Communities. Her work left an enduring legacy of compassion, advocacy and service to her community. Sandra will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to the public health and her tireless efforts to improve the lives of others.

Sandra is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, John Kosik; and her two children, Carla (Eric) Justice and Ann (Ronda Wilbur) Kosik; and her beloved grandchildren, Makena and Nathan Justice. She was also a cherished sister to Robert Henry, Dianne (Villard) St. Perez, and Sue (Rob Donaldson) Brooks, and an adoring aunt to her many nieces and nephews.

Sandra had a welcoming smile and a generous spirit that brought joy to everyone who knew her. When she wasn’t doting on her grandchildren, she could often be found tending to her beautiful garden, a source of pride and happiness. She will be deeply missed, and her legacy of kindness and love will endure in the hearts of all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Sandra’s memory to the following organization the Alliance of Coalitions for Healthy Communities. https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E358122&id=2

Sandra’s memory will remain a beacon of love, compassion, and dedication to the well-being of others.