Sandra L. Czarnowksi

Sandra L. Czarnowski, 82, of Rockford left this earth on February 10, 2026, reuniting with all of her beloved pets who passed before her at the Rainbow Bridge. Born January 16, 1944 in Philadelphia, PA; daughter of Paul and Wilma Jean (Schreiner) Unzicker. Graduate of Rockford East High School. Sandra obtained her Bachelor Degree and Masters Degrees from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, and attended the Doctorate of Education Program at Northern. She was a special education teacher at Rock River Elementary School, retiring in 1999. She was united in marriage to Robert Czarnowski on April 17th , 1982. Together they raised two sons, and Sandra was a true "Sports Mom" She attended innumerable soccer games, swim meets, basketball games, gymnastics and cross country meets. She was a loving and devoted mother. She loved relaxing and curling up with a book. Sandra and Robert participated in dog training events together. She absolutely loved dogs, especially Jake, the family yellow Labrador and her Boykin Spaniel, Banjo. She was a skilled dog trainer and enjoyed teaching others training skills in weekly classes and weekend seminars. Locally, she was involved with the Forest City Dog Training Club and the Hunting Retriever Club. She was a volunteer for the Rockford Special Olympics, participating in events and activities with her oldest son. Sandra was a former member of LLL Society. One of Sandra's other joys was traveling in her RV to Wisconsin and Lone Oak, Texas. She had a warm, affable personality and made connections and new friends wherever she went. Her family was her world, she made many memories throughout the years on cruise ships, travelling to Hawaii, the Caribbean, Alaska and Jamaica. Survived by her husband of 43 years, Robert; children, Simody Czarnowski, Matthew Czarnowski; grandchildren, Seth Czarnowski, Katie Czarnowski; cousin, Reynolds (Linda) Smith; and a circle of friends, near and far. Preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Harry Unzicker and Kevin Unzicker. Visitation on Saturday, February 14, 2026 from 5 pm to 7 pm at Grace Funeral & Cremation Services, 4301 N. Main St. Rockford. Funeral Service on Sunday, February 15, 2026 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Jennifer Thompson, Funeral Celebrant will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to L.E.A.R.N., the Labrador Rescue of Wisconsin and Rockford Special Olympics. https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=mZbsAI-pmwM7jPrwRXNJZ_UcGSrG7GlwoJDIoqRHVFNACVmFCEgEf0lLtz0JKhiYNatf5VloN5PVkCdm or 140 Simmons Avenue, Box 323; Pewaukee, WI 53072. Share a memory or condolence at www.graceFH.com.

Sandra L. Czarnowksi

January 16, 1944 - February 10, 2026