Sandra Keshena Powers

Sandra Keshena Powers was born on December 27, 1937, in Shawano, WI, and died on March 16, 2026, in Shawano at the age of 88.

Sandy was raised on the Menominee Indian Reservation in Neopit, the daughter of Lucille (Otto) and George Pecore.

Her early years were spent living at Pecore’s Trading Post by Rainbow Falls from spring until fall, while she spent winters in Neopit. Her parents lived in a log home without running water or electricity. A water pump, wood stove, outhouse, and kerosene lamps provided the necessities. The Trading Post purchased and sold items from other Indian tribes and offered these items for sale, along with rented cabins and walks to see the magnificent Rainbow Falls; people from all over the world signed their guestbook.

Sandy attended St. Anthony’s School until the age of 14, when she went to live with her aunt in Shawano. She then attended Shawano High School, graduating in 1956. High school is where she met friends who lasted her lifetime.

After high school, Sandy spent one year at UW-Stevens Point and then transferred to nursing school in Milwaukee to earn her LPN. Her nursing career began at St. Luke’s Hospital in Milwaukee, then continued at the Menominee Indian Hospital in Keshena until it closed in 1961 due to the Menominee Termination Act of 1954. The remaining part of Sandy’s nursing career was spent at Shawano Hospital in various departments. She retired after working in discharge planning, where she helped hundreds of families navigate the next step of care for their loved ones. Again, Sandy developed friendships at Shawano Medical Center that lasted her lifetime.

Sandy was married to the late Wayne (Butch) Keshena, and together they had their beloved children: daughter Wendy and son Todd.

Family, friends, and community guided Sandy’s work in life. She was a dedicated volunteer and founding member of the Friends of Shawano Hospice, a trustee member at St. Michael’s Parish, and a loyal volunteer for numerous church events and the food pantry. She was known for her baked goods and would plan weeks in advance to fill the bake sale tables. Sandy’s “love language” was cooking, baking, and cleaning for her extended family. She kept a spotless home, was extremely organized, and was meticulous about how she cared for herself and her loved ones. She was an avid walker and, up until her recent health decline, walked two miles a day.

Later in life, love came her way again when she married Bob Powers from Legend Lake. She was adopted into his large family, and they watched his children and their families grow. Together, they spent over twenty years living at Legend Lake in the summer and winters at Fort Myers Beach, FL. Nothing made Sandy happier than escaping the cold with Bob and enjoying everything Florida had to offer. She met dear friends in the condo building who enjoyed her baking and help with the building socials. She also met a loyal group of ladies who attended weekly Bible study, which helped her continue learning about her faith.

Sandy is survived by her husband, Bob Powers, from Legend Lake and his family; her brother, Greg (Karen) Pecore and their family from Atlanta; her daughter, Wendy (Sam) Crawford from Shawano; her granddaughter, Morgan Crawford (Tom) Delano, and great-granddaughter, Yara, from Wauwatosa; her son, Todd Keshena; and her granddaughter, Abby, from Denver. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Lucille Pecore.

The family would like to thank the staff and residents at the Cottages on Golden Pond for their friendship and kind care over the last seven months, and the staff at Evergreen Health Care and Moments Hospice for their special care of Sandy in the final weeks of her life.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 28, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Parish in Keshena. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

Swedberg Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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