Sandy "Cookie" Tolonen, age 82, passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. She was born on April 6, 1943, to parents Eugene and Catherine (nee Chartier) Haynes in Marquette, Michigan.

Sandy spent her life ministering to others. She devoted her life to her family working day and night to ensure a better, brighter future. She also opened her home to many international students from around the globe. Her greatest ministry was the 35 years she spent as a surgical nurse at the UC Medical Center (originally called General Hospital when she started). Countless patients, nursing students, doctors, and hospital personnel benefitted from her care, compassion, and knowledge.

During her tenure as a nurse, Sandy volunteered for medical missions to the Dominican Republic and was on the cutting edge of using CO2 and YAG lasers in surgery. She taught medical students, nurses, and doctors proper laser use and techniques. As the hospital's laser expert, she taught seminars and gave presentations at medical conventions, including once at a convention for equine veterinarians.

Sandy worked hard so she could enjoy life. She lived in Bogotá, Colombia for a summer, cruised to interesting ports, and traveled to Spain, Italy, and Morocco. She visited with her children in Michigan, California, and Georgia always managing to find the best antique shops in each city.

Sandy is survived by her beloved children Dawn Marie (Dale), Anthony (Anne), and Leslie (Tabitha) Tolonen; beloved brother Lee (Kathy) and sister Carolyn Haynes; loving grandchildren Jessica Pendergrass, Fenwood and Lake Tolonen; Ryan and Ashley Podracky; cherished great-grandchildren Mackenzie and Carter Pendergrass, Remington Freeman, Blaik Podracky, and Jayden Richards; extended family, and many friends from around the world.

Sandy was preceded in death by her precious youngest son, Christopher Tolonen; her parents; and siblings Buddy, Colin, and Ritchie Haynes.

Two celebrations of Sandy's life will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025. All are welcome to join us at the following events:

Friday, August 8, 2025: Visitation from 10:45-11:45 am, and Funeral Mass at 12 PM Noon at The Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 8815 East Kemper Road Cincinnati, OH 45249. The mass will also be live-streamed on their website at https://www.good-shepherd.org/funeral-services

Friday, August 8, 2025, from 6-8 pm: Celebration of Life at Tufts Schildmeyer Funeral Home - Loveland Chapel, 129 N. Riverside Ave., Loveland, OH 45140

Flowers, cards, and memorial donations to Matthew 25 Ministries are all welcome.