Lake Bluff, Illinois - Sandra Lee Hall, age 79, of Lake Bluff, IL, formerly of Hudson, WI, died August 12, 2025, from Parkinson's-related surgical complications. We are grateful she was able to say goodbye to her treasured family in her final days, and she passed away peacefully with her daughters by her side.

Sandy was born Sandra Lee Cheesbrough in Chicago, IL, to Joseph Cheesbrough and Margaret Hafele Cheesbrough. She attended Macalester College in St. Paul, MN, where she majored in Russian and later earned a master's degree from the University of Minnesota. At Macalester, Sandy met Edmund (Barney) Hall while working in the campus dining hall. They married shortly after graduation, in 1968, and were married for 56 years. Both began their careers as teachers, and Sandy later became a school librarian, working for three decades in the Osseo School District, in both elementary and high schools.

Sandy was a lifelong lover of books. After retirement, she spent many happy years working part-time at Borders, shelving books in the early mornings before the store opened. She adored the theatre and was a devoted patron of many theatres, particularly the Guthrie and Theatre Latte Da in Minneapolis. She often travelled to the Stratford Festival in Ontario to see plays with her daughter Jenny.

Sandy was a devoted mother who was radically accepting and loving. She saw, respected, and loved Jenny and Erin for exactly who they were. As a grandmother, she was equally present and devoted. She said she didn't want to only be "a picture on a mantel," to her grandsons, and therefore became an important part of their lives from their very first days, spending time with her daughters after each birth and nurturing deep bonds with them. She went on to host an annual summer "Camp Fun-o-Fun," for the boys, the motto of which was: "Be Kind, Be Brave, and Have Fun!"

Sandy is survived by her daughters Jenny Hall (Zack Taylor) and Erin Hall-Westfall (Aaron Westfall); her three beloved grandsons Tighe Westfall, Finn Westfall, and Sam Taylor; her sister Kay Ruekberg (Bruce Ruekberg); her sister-in-law Peggy Hall (Lee Barry); her brother-in-law John Hall (Sue Hall); her nieces and nephews Meg Barry, Elizabeth Barry, Adam Meyer, Brenna Hall, Sarah Beckius, and Carey Jones; and several great nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband Edmund (Barney) Hall; her parents, Joseph Cheesbrough and Margaret (Hafele) Cheesbrough; and by her brothers Joseph and Robert Cheesbrough.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis by selecting "In memory of" from the drop-down menu

https://securesite.guthrietheater.org/donate/contribute1

A celebration of Sandy's life will be held at 7 Vines Vineyards & Winery in Dellwood, MN, on Fri, Oct 3rd from 5:00-7:30 pm. Drop in any time for food and drinks; remarks at 6pm.