Sandy Sperrazza

Obituary of Sandy Louise (Longwell) Sperrazza

Sandy Louise (Longwell) Sperrazza, age 75 of Edina MN, died on November 14, 2019 at her home surrounded by her family after a 13-year courageous battle with cancer.  Survived by her steadfast caretaker and loving husband of 51 years Vince, children Beth (Mark), John (Amy), Paul, Brian (Rachel) and Nick (Quynh), grandchildren Kyle, Samantha, Michael, Sara, Hanna, Matthew, Alyssa, Adam, Jonah, Zachary, Theodore, Eva, Josie and Nico, 4 great grandchildren, as well as sister Carol (John) and brother Wayne (Carla) and many more endearing nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

 

Sandy was born in St. Cloud, MN on Aug 16, 1944 and graduated from Burnsville High School in Burnsville MN.  Shortly thereafter, she moved to Los Angeles where she met Vince and they married on Nov 9, 1968.  A wonderful homemaker, and matriarch for her family, Sandy exemplified both strength and compassion in her marriage, and as she reared her children.  She successfully prepared her children for the responsibilities and requirements of adulthood while imbuing a Christian faith, a sense of accountability, and a confidence that we can all achieve any goals we aspire to, and can make a big difference in this world, if we just believe in ourselves.

 

Sandy applied that philosophy in her own life as well by serving as President for 28 years of the local MN chapter of Concerned United Birthparents (CUB), a support group for those impacted by adoption, as Sandy was when she gave up her infant daughter for adoption in 1961.  A resident expert on the challenges of the adoption process and its impact to birthparents, Sandy made several appearances on local television and radio shows over the years to provide expert commentary on the adoption process from the viewpoint of the birthparent.  She also championed efforts at the State of MN to overturn archaic laws of secrecy that had surrounded the adoption process.  Sandy turned this passion for helping those impacted by the loss of adoption an incredible step further by becoming a searcher, and reunited hundreds of long lost parents and children impacted by adoption, bringing joy and closure to others in a way few achieve in their lifetimes.  Her work of love touched people from coast to coast and around the world. Sandy was a gift to everyone she touched and will be greatly missed, but never forgotten. 

 

The Sperrazza family wishes to thank everyone who sent love and support to Sandy as she neared the end of her fight.  Your thoughtfulness gave her strength and peace.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held on November 22, 2019 at St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church at the St. John Campus, 6 Interlachen Road, Hopkins MN 55343 at 11 AM with Visitation beginning at 10 AM.  In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to an organization of your choice in Sandy’s name. 

Friday
22
November

Visitation

10:00 am - 11:00 am
Friday, November 22, 2019
St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church
at the St. John Campus, 6 Interlachen Road
Hopkins, Minnesota, United States
952-935-5536
Friday
22
November

Mass of Christian Burial

11:00 am
Friday, November 22, 2019
St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church
at the St. John Campus, 6 Interlachen Road
Hopkins, Minnesota, United States
952-935-5536