Sandra Kay (Crider) Kolodziej

In Loving Memory of Sandra Kay Kolodziej (Crider)

July 24, 1952 - December 4, 2025

It is with heavy hearts we share that Sandra Kay Kolodziej of Hammond Indiana, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family at age 73 on December 4, 2025.

Born July 24, 1952 in Hammond Indiana, Sandra was the middle child and a cherished daughter of Robert and Genevieve Crider of Highland Indiana.

On July 4, 2001 Sandra married Michael L. Kolodziej and began a devoted life with him filled with companionship, laughter and fireworks every anniversary.

A Life Rich in Personality and Spirit.  Her path was never predictable but always authentically her own.

Sandra loved and embraced her role as a Grandmother and Great Aunt. She made sure she got a piece of birthday cake at every opportunity, and gave generous gifts at Christmas and birthdays.

Christmas lights and fireworks were two of her favorite things, and she jumped at every chance to see them.  She liked a good story, especially if there was a dragon in it.  Going to the movies, reading, or streaming a series on television, filled many of her days. She also very much enjoyed painting ceramics with her friends a few nights a week and on weekends. 

Sandra lived a life full of twists and talents. She graduated in 1971 from Highland High School and went on to become a licensed: beautician, real estate agent, semi truck driver, and card dealer.  She was an Honored Queen of the International Order of  Job's Daughters and later a Grand Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star.  She was also a Troop Leader and Den Mother for the Brownies and Cub Scouts even though she did not enjoy camping or selling cookies.

Forever Loved and Remembered, her legacy is in the meaningful memories and smiles she shared with the lives she touched.

Sandra is survived by:

Her loving devoted husband Michael L Kolodziej of Hammond, IN. ;

Her siblings, Nelda Lee of Mission, TX, and William (Cheryl) Crider of Valparaiso IN. ;

Her children, Dawn (Dave) Beth of Phoenix AZ, and Paul (Toni) Hudnall of Hammond IN. ;

Her grandchildren, Crystal, Kelly, John, and Nick ;

Her nieces and nephews, Nathan, Robert, Cathryn, Sarah, Shane, Cori, Danielle, Nick, Sidney,  Matthew, and Antoinette 

And her great-nieces and great-nephews, Emmet, Donovan, Chet, Nathan, Seth, Paige, Mila, Eoin, Ethan, Roberta, Ruth, Ralph, Norah and Rylie.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Bob and Jean Crider.

A visitation will be held at Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center 8941 Kleinman Rd (one block south of Ridge Rd) Highland, IN, 46322 on Saturday, December 20, 2025 from 2:00-4:00 pm with a celebration of Sandra's life to be held afterwards at Gratefully Painted (737 169th Street Hammond IN) from 5:00-8:00 pm.

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper - Michael Kuiper-Vass by calling us at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com

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