Sandra "Sandy" Testore (nee Mruk) loving wife of the late Bob Testore, adoring mother of David (Maggie) Testore and doting grandmother of Matthew, Anna and Quinn Testore, cherished sister of Ted (Susan Branham) Mruk, dear friend of Dr. Frank Zappa and beloved cousin, aunt, great aunt and friend to so many passed away peacefully on December 15th at home with her son at her side.

Sandy was born to Ann Podbelsek Mruk and Theodore Mruk on October 29, 1942. She grew up on Cermak Ave and attended St. Ann's High School, Harrison High School and Northern Illinois University. She and Bob met in "the neighborhood" sharing many mutual friends. They got married in 1967 and moved to Oak Park where they lived for over 25 years. They made lifelong friends while in Oak Park and loved their time on Woodbine Avenue. In 1999, they moved back into the city settling in the West Loop.

Sandy had so many joys in life. She loved to run, especially along the lakefront, participating in countless races. She won first place at the Frank Lloyd Wright Run for her age group at age 77. She loved to travel. Stories of family vacations with the Michelis never get old. She loved to read books, especially mysteries, and always shared the good ones. For over forty years, she enjoyed managing the podiatry offices of Dr. Zappa and switched to part-time only after turning 80 last fall. She loved eating out at restaurants and always knew the newest hot spot in the West Loop. She loved music and movies and knew the words to all the songs and the names of all of the actors from her youth. She loved drinking wine with friends and family. She was a great listener and showed a keen interest in what and how people were doing. She loved to celebrate family traditions especially at the holidays. Window painting and visiting the Christkindl Market were two favorites. She was a great gift-giver and was famous for including socks in her pile of gifts. She had a deep respect for the past displaying innumerable photos of Mruk, Podbelsek, Ortaldo and Testore ancestors. She loved her son and took many treasured black and white photos of him when he was young. She and her daughter-in-law shared a mutual adoration. Perhaps she loved being a grandma most of all. "Lady and the Tramp Bana" was a name given to her early on because she and her grandchildren loved watching movies together during their frequent sleepovers. She was devoted to them and was a grandma figure to many. She will be missed by everyone who knew and loved her.

Per Sandy's wishes, a party will be held in January to celebrate her beautiful life.