Sandra was born in Chicago in 1949 to the late Axel and Alva (nee Lofgren) Gustafson. She graduated from Chicago Vocational High School with a major/focus in horticulture; her eye and talent for floral arrangements and constructing the perfect, hard to manage and tie bow was impeccable. Sandra went on to beauty school, becoming a licensed cosmetologist and worked in a beauty shop alongside her best friend, Linda (nee Zube) Green, solidifying their lifelong friendship filled with adventures, stories and consistent laughter.
When anyone asked of her greatest accomplishment or what she was most proud of within her 77 years, she always said it was her children. She loved both Lynn and Aaron fearlessly and was there for every event, be they monumental or small they were all the same to her. She never missed a baseball or softball game, orthodontist appointment, ride to work, or anything else. Unwavering in her support and love, she kept them safe and never let them doubt she was there. From swinging a ball on a rope in the front yard for batting practice, to sewing and constructing the most memorable Halloween costumes, her love was ever present.
She met and quickly became inseparable and the best of friends with Carol (nee Bever) Smith, sharing many dawn to dark shopping adventures filled with everything including antiques, craft supplies, books, bathroom vanities and a stop for pie and coffee.
She loved the Olympics, collecting keychains, a good kitchen gadget, giraffes, Christmas lights, making and gifting unique Christmas ornaments, reading, ironing, Chicago pizza with sausage, white chocolate, buttercream frosting and a good laugh. She loved sending and receiving cards for all occasions – if she loved you, you knew it. The cards she kept were plentiful – from birthdays, holidays, just because, or many of the cards for the milestones from quitting smoking, ultimately surrounding herself with the physical proof of love received. She was proud of her state fair award winning mouse cookies and hand sewn teddy bears which she gifted to Lynn, Aaron and her dearest friends.
Surviving are her children, Aaron (Dory) Bailey of Virginia Beach, VA and Lynn Bailey of Chicago, IL. Three grandchildren, Ezden Notghi, Aarmor Bailey and Aaxton Bailey. Preceded in death by her parents, Axel and Alva (nee Lofgren) Gustafson, loving husband, Harvey Taylor, brother, Erick Gustafson, and her best, most loyal dog who never left her side, Annie.
An inurnment will take place at Cedar Park Cemetery, Calumet Park, IL at a later date.
