Sandra Sandy Jean (Schlaht) Kirwan of Mitchell, South Dakota, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2010 while visiting her family in Waco, Texas.

Sandy was born February 21, 1937 in Gregory, South Dakota to Roland and Jane Schlaht. She met her husband Robert Kirwan in high school, and they married in 1958. Sandra devoted herself to helping others, by working in the nursing industry for 34 years and volunteering in her community. Her volunteer work included working with the local PTA, the Prehistoric Indian Village, the Middle Border Museum, and the Dakota Discovery Museum. She was an active member of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Mitchell, South Dakota, where she was a cantor and participated in the choir and Bible study.

A multifaceted talent, Sandy expressed herself through both music and acting. She was a member and served on the board of the Area Community Theatre, participated with the Middle Border Chorus, and Ye Old Madrigal Feast Singers. Sandy received the Best Actress Award for her roles in both Nunsense and On Golden Pond. She cherished the company of her family and friends, and shared laughter with them in her many pursuits, including the Red Hat Society and fun-filled bridge games. A passionate traveler, Sandy enjoyed journeys with her husband to visit her children and grandchildren, and to other states and countries to see the world and meet new and exciting people. Together they traveled across Alaska, and to China, New Zealand, Australia, Ireland, and the Panama Canal.

Sandy leaves behind her high school sweetheart, and husband of 51 years, Robert Kirwan; daughter Kandace and son-in-law Greg Menning of Waco, Texas; son Mike and daughter-in-law Barb Kirwan of West Point, Nebraska; daughter Kristi and son-in-law Yong Lee of Ladera Ranch, California; and son Steve Kirwan of Toluca Lake, California. She also leaves behind a brother, Rollie Schlaht of Omaha, Nebraska, and seven grandchildren, Rachel, Anna, Samuel, Grace and Maria Kirwan, and Katie and Jessica Lee. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A visitation and rosary will be held for Sandy at Will Funeral Chapel in Mitchell from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, March 11,2010 with a prayer service and rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m., funeral services will be at 11 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church on Friday, March 12, 2010. Pallbearers are Greg Menning, Samuel Kirwan, Fred Kirwan, Rollie Loon, Earl Davis, and Jim Schaffer. Honorary pallbearers are Yong Lee, Dick Pillar, Emmett Kotrba, Terry Schlaht, Larry Schlaht, and Don Van Cleave.

Memorials may be made to Hillcrest Community Hospice in Waco, Texas and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.