Sandra Yost, age 73, of Chicago died peacefully Saturday, December 24, 2016 at Rush Medical Center.
Sandra Lee Durward was born to Merle and Lucille (Hunter) Durward in Morrison, IL on May 21, 1943. She married Lloyd Yost in February, 1963, and they later divorced. She is a 1961 graduate of Morrison High School and a 1986 graduate of St. Ambrose University in Davenport, IA. She also earned her MBA from the University of Illinois-Chicago in 1999.
Sandy, as she’s known to most, had two successful careers throughout her life. She started her professional life as a Legal Secretary quickly earning her Professional Legal Secretary (PLS) certification. She was devoted to the Legal Secretaries’ Associations serving on the executive boards at the state and local levels. In 1981, she was installed as the President of the Illinois Legal Secretaries’ Association, and in 1991, she became the President of the National Association of Legal Secretaries. After many years as the office administrator with Braud, Warner, Neppl & Westensee, a law firm in Rock Island, IL, Sandy moved to Chicago for other career opportunities. She was a consultant with a law office management consultant firm, and then Marketing Manager for a law firm in Chicago.
In 1994, she left the legal world to work with doctors as the CEO/Executive Director for the American Academy of Disability Evaluating Physicians (AADEP-now known as the International Academy of Independent Medical Evaluators), where she worked tirelessly for almost 20 years retiring in July, 2013. Sandy received numerous honors in her life including Legal Secretary of the Year and the President’s Award of Excellence from AADEP. She contributed to various text books for legal secretary education programs eventually writing her own text book. She spoke to prominent women’s groups and was a mentor to many.
Sandy loved to travel and visited most of Europe as well as parts of Africa and Australia over the last ten years. However, she experienced some amazing North American travel riding the rails through the Canadian Rockies and visiting many of the National Parks in the United States. Her second love was her city, Chicago, where she enjoyed everything it had to offer from the theater to the great food. She was devoted to attending the theater every week during its season and rarely missed a Chicago Symphony Orchestra concert. She was always thrilled to share the excitement of Chicago with anyone new or visiting!
Sandy is survived by her partner-in-crime, C. Roger Streeter, with whom she shared a lot of adventures and a lot of love; her beloved children, Bryan (Joan) Yost, Bettendorf, IA, and Michelle (fiancé Kevin Fink) Belsey, Brookfield, IL; her favorite people on the planet, her granddaughters, Parley Belsey, Taylor Yost, Gibson Yost, Lauren Belsey and Hayley Belsey; her sister, Marjorie Luther; and numerous cousins and friends. She was a bright light who impacted many and she will be tremendously missed.
A celebration of life party for Sandy will occur on Saturday, January 7 at 5:00 pm in Salon A of the Grand Ballroom at the JW Marriott Chicago located at 151 W. Adams Street. This will be an opportunity for friends and family to gather and celebrate a life well-lived by sharing memories and love.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to Veritas Medicus c/o International Academy of Independent Medical Evaluators, 2575 Northwest Parkway, Elgin, IL 60124. Contributions may also be made in memory of Sandra Yost to support Prentice Women’s Hospital c/o Northwestern Memorial Foundation, 251 E. Huron Street, Galter Pavilion 3-200, Chicago, IL 60611, 312.926.2033.
Arrangements by Hitzeman Funeral Home Ltd. 9445 West 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513. Information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com
Print Obituary & Condolences
Sandy was a great inspiration for me in NALS . . .the association for Legal Secretaries and I so enjoyed meeting her and sharing her zest for life. She will be missed, but there in an additional angel in heaven.
As a friend and past president of AADEP I will always remember her friendly smile, great sense of humor and never failing optimism. She made everything she did look simple. TGo her family my deep felt condolences. Gunnar
Bryan, Michelle, and families—–I am terribly saddened by the news of Sandys passing. I remember her fondly. My thoughts are with you and your family during this very difficult time. Prayers to you all!
Love to all of you!
Sandy was a joy and she will be missed greatly~ she had a welcoming smile and heart. Sandy and I had a wonderful friendship and thru her I was honored to meet her daughter Michelle who has Sandy’s smile and heart… Sandy will live on thru those she touched and loved. May God bless all who are sad and give peace when mourning comes.
I had the pleasure of working with Sandy while she was with AADEP and we quickly became close friends. She was a mentor to me professionally and close friend personally. She looked forward to her Holidays with her GrandDaughters and family. I will miss her but happy to see her smile & spirit in Michelle. May she live on in all of our hearts and wishing your family peace and beautiful memories.
We are very sad to hear about Sandy passing away-I went to High School with her and we saw her this year at the class reunion-Our thoughts are with the family and she truly is special and will be missed
Sandy Yost was the first person I met attending my first AADEP meeting at the Doral in FL. Always positive, always smiling, never complaining and always available to listen and provide supportive feedback. She is missed and will always be remembered in our hearts. Pleasure to have known her.
Sandy was such an inspiration – thoughtful, dedicated and wise. I had the pleasure of knowing her in her role as Executive Director of AADEP / IAIME. She contributed so much to others and the field. She will be deeply missed – including her wonderful smile. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. So sorry for the loss.
I only met Sandy a couple of years ago at Michelle’s home, and she was a lovely lady to talk with that evening. I’m so sorry for her loss, because I know how much her family loves her. May she rest in peace in Heaven with Jesus.
Michelle & Bryan … my heart is breaking and a part of me is broken … i have so many fun and fond memories of your mom … our crazy group (Sheryl, Peggy, Nancy, Becky, me, your mom) shared so many wonderful adventures, travels for legal secretary’s gatherings, birthday parties, impromptu fun fests (!) … and the brightest, shiniest light at all of these events was your mom … her smile could light up the whole city of chicago !!!! …. i can’t imagine our lives without her … she is so loved and will be so very missed from our midst … my love and prayers to you and your families …
So sad about Sandy’s passing. We enjoyed our visit with her here at our home planning our class reunion this year. She was a special person with a good heart and will be missed. Our sympathy to all of Sandy’s family. May you rest in peace Sandy.
Sandy was truly one of nicest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing and working with. We knew each other through her work at AADEP, and she was always so welcoming, kind, gracious, and a total class act. She also loved her family deeply. She will be missed by all who knew her. Keeping the family in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
We are saddened to hear of Sandy’s passing. She was a joy to be around. Always enjoyed talking and joking with her. I have fond memories of our high school days and the many class reunions. We will all miss her dearly. May her family find comfort at this time.
So sad to hear about Sandy. She was a client, friend and mentor to so many in our business. Her passion for her work and love for her home town of Chicago were an inspiration for all who knew her.
I am in disbelief over Sandy’s passing. I had spent an enjoyable five days with Sandy at our class reunion in September. I had been in communication with her several times since then. My deepest sympathy is extended to her family and friends. I will miss my dear friend, Sandy.
I am so sorry for your loss. She was a very special lady. She will be greatly missed.
So sad about Sandys passing. We enjoyed our visit with her here at our home and at our Class reunion in September. She was a special person with a good heart who will be missed. Our sympathy to all of Sandys family.
So sorry..The stories I could tell of the fun Barb Heusinkeld (who we have also recently lost) and myself could fill a book. Sandy was special
My sincere sympathy to Sandy’s family. I was in the process of beginning to assist her with her family tree. A bright light has been extinguished…Sandy will be greatly missed.
Bryan – So sorry to read about your mother’s passing. I never met her but knew you greatly respected her for her achievements thru our conversations. Your Mom was very involved in everything and I’m sure will be missed by many. Condolences to your family and sister.
I am Sandy’s ex-husband. We remained friends over the past 60 years and we talked often. I was unable to attend the recent high school reunion. She promised to give me all the current info on our classmates but never got the opportunity. There are only two women in my life that I loved and respected. One is my mother, Nancy, and the other is Sandy. They both were kind, considerate, generous and laughed at my corny jokes. Thanks for your condolences.
I was so sorry to hear of Sandy’s passing. I have not seen her in many years, but remember her well from high school and a few reunions. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
Bryan and Michelle, I am so sorry to hear of mom’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sandy and I were 1961 graduates together. My sympathy to all of her family.
Sandy and I were friends in our early teens. Loved to hang out with her and her dear parents. She was such an accomplished women. My deepest sympathy to her family.
Sandra was my first cousin. I’ll never forget her easy laughter, story telling, and making fun of herself. She has made many friends who will never forget her. My condolences to Bryan and Michelle and families on their loss. She will certainly be missed!
No matter what the meeting, Sandra would always seek me out to say hello. Names never escaped her.
Sandra was instrumental in me attending a meeting to sign up to see the Veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq that allowed me to care for over 12,000 soldiers. It was Sandra who the Lord used to let me in to that meeting with the recruiters for the civilian doctors to see the military. All through AADEP.
Sandra I hope you love spending eternity with the Lord.
I had the great pleasure of knowing Sandy as Executive Director of AADEP / IAIME before and after I was President of AADEP / IAIME. She was always available to help me with my duties as President and always made me look good by her very dedicated and supportive behind the scenes work. AADEP / IAIME would not be were we are today without her. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are to her family.
Sandy WAS AADEP to me. I looked forward to her smile and friendship once a year. She remembered everyone’s name, even mine. It was a great honor to be of service to her through the years, and she felt the same for all “her doctors.” Sandy will always be there somewhere at the yearly meetings…maybe not visibly, but in spirit most certainly. Rest in Peace, Sandy Yost.
Sandy was a very special lady. Organized, thoughtful, generous, dedicated, and authentic are words that come to mind. She will be missed.
To her family, so sorry for your loss.
Sandy held a special place in the hearts of many, not the least of which was the Australian contingent that attended AADEP conferences over the years.
Sandy knew us all and her interest and support for each and every one of us along with her motherly attention to our welfare when far from home was always welcome.
I am sure I join my Australian colleagues from AADEP/IAIME in expressing our deepest sorrow at her passing and we would wish that our condolences be conveyed to her family.
Thank you Sandy for all your help. You were always an encourager, always helpful. You are already missed. God bless you.
I met Sandy in 2001 when I joined AADEP. She became one of the reasons I kept coming back. Her warm smile, intelligence and flair made me want to attend! She was kind and caring when I went through a serious illness and had to miss an annual conference. Her sense of fun made the conferences special. Sandy, thank you for all you have done for me.
I have been so sad since I heard my friend of 40 plus years has passed. I am so glad she no longer suffers, but will miss her friendship. I was so lucky to have visited her all over the country with her jobs. Also, I had 11 years liv ing in Chicago where we had so much fun and so many adventures. Bryan and Michele it was a pleasure watching you two grow up to be the incredible adults you are. She was so proud of you and her granddaughters. My love to you.
She was a strength in difficult times.
I will always remember Sandy for the kindness which she showed me when I joined AADEP several years ago as a Fellow. For me and for many others, she was the organization!!
Sandy was one of my favorite people. Always helpful, friendly and with a smile on her face. She will be greatly missed.
Our thoughts are with her family at this
difficult time.
Sorry about your loss.
I’ve been coming to every AADEP meeting for over 20 years.
Sandy had been the one constant during that time.
I have no recollection of ever seeing her without a smile and she always offered encouragement.
I was always amazed at her ability to remember us all by name.
Our gatherings won’t be the same without her.
She was definitely someone special.
Again, my condolences.
I did Sandy’s hair years ago, when she was living in Morrison. She always brighten a room. I really enjoyed her. So sorry for her family.
Bryan, Michelle, Marge and your families and friends. We are so sorry for your loss. We didn’t get to see Sandy often but it was like we were never apart. You could pick right back up and talk about old times and families. Sorry we missed the celebration of life. All the cousins were thinking of you.
Everett and I (Nancy Habben) Pannier — offer our condolences to Sandy’s family. I remember the fun times we had (class of “6l) in High School. Everett and his parents were good friends of Sandy and Marjories’s parents as they were growing up. She was a fun and special lady.