Sandra Kay Koivu

Passed away on Thursday June 28, 2012 at the age of 68. Sandra was born on August 3, 1943 to Keith and Eva (Borracci) McAlvey in Lansing and grew up in Grand Ledge MI. In 1963 she married the man of her dreams, Norman Koivu. Norm and Sandy lived most of their married life in the Lansing area where their two daughters were born and raised. Sandy worked for the State of Michigan for 30 years and retired in 2002. After retirement Sandy went through the Master Gardner program at MSU. Sandy always had a way with plants and used the skills she learned in the Master Gardner class to create a beautiful garden in her backyard. Sandy was a creative person and enjoyed sewing, crocheting, cooking, gardening, flower arranging and glass painting.
Sandy loved traveling everywhere, from family vacations around the United States to trips and cruises to Europe and Hawaii with Norm. Sandy made many friends along the way.
The one word that best describes Sandy is grace. Sandy had the ability to make people feel welcome and at ease. She managed whatever life handed her with grace, dignity and a sense of humor. She was a gracious hostess, a caring neighbor, a warm friend, a generous aunt, an excellent daughter, and a loving wife and mother. She is preceded in death by her father.
Surviving Sandy are her husband of 50 years, Norm Koivu; daughters, Angela Koivu (Harry Johnson) Grand Rapids, MI, Michelle Koivu Zumwalt (David Zumwalt) Eau Claire, WI; mother, Eva McAlvey; grandchildren, Jessica Johnson, Jared Johnson, Celeste Johnson, Lucas Zumwalt, Benjamin Zumwalt; brother, Donald McAlvey (Marlene) and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held on Monday July 2, 11:00 am at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish 102 West Randolph Street Lansing, MI 48906. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross or Heartland Hospice Memorial Fund, PO Box 10086 Toledo, OH 43699-0086. Sandy will be missed by all that knew her, but mostly by her husband Norm, her children, and grandchildren.