Norma L. Sander

Norma L. Sander, 85, passed away Saturday, April 18, 2015, in Centennial, CO. Although she had battled various illnesses for many years, she remained clear of mind and full of life until her peaceful end. Her unique spirit will be sorely missed by her friends and loving family. Born to Baldassare and Rosa Costantini in Tulsa, OK, Norma graduated from the University of Tulsa in 1951. She began her career as a graphic artist and worked for the United States Air Force in Amarillo, TX, and Boeing in Wichita, KS, where she drew technical diagrams for the assembly of the B-52 bomber. In 1959, she married Ronald Sander after meeting him at Boeing, and they soon moved to Denver, CO. Once in Colorado, Norma continued to work as a free-lance graphic artist and won several awards for her non-commercial artwork. She and Ronald adopted their two beloved children, Lori in 1965 and Mark in 1967, to whom she was a devoted mother. A tenacious survivor of cancer (Mycosis fungoides and Waldenström's macroglobulinemia) and a cerebral aneurysm, among other health complications, Norma fully enjoyed life, filling it with family and close friends, good food, travel, and many wins at the bridge and mahjong tables. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, two children, sister, Barbara (and her family), son-in-law, John, and daughter-in-law, Erin. All send their love with you, Norma. A rosary service will be held Sunday, 5:00 PM, at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 5303 E. County Line Rd., Centennial. A funeral mass will be held Monday, 11:00 AM, at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 8035 S. Quebec St., Centennial. Private interment at Littleton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Norma's name to the Little Sisters of the Poor or a charity of your choice. Please share your memories of Norma and condolences with her family by signing the guestbook below.