Sally Marie Belander-Marken

Sally Marie Belander-Marken, 70, of Savanna, Illinois, passed away peacefully with her family at her side at Genesis East Hospital in Davenport, Iowa. A private graveside service will be held at Savanna Spring Lake Cemetery. A public celebration of Sally’s life will be held at Manny’s Pizza, in Savanna, on Saturday, March 14, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the West Carroll School Pantry.

Born December 2, 1955, in Savanna, she was the daughter of Charles and Mary Lou (Snodgrass) Belander, Jr. Sally grew up in Savanna and graduated with the Savanna High School Class of 1974. She went on to earn her LPN from Highland Community College and later her RN from Northeast Iowa Technical Institute, now Northeast Iowa Community College.

Sally dedicated her life to caring for others. She began her nursing career at Savanna Hospital before joining Freeport Memorial Hospital, where she served as a critical care and trauma nurse, ER supervisor, and ACLS specialist and instructor. She concluded her career with the Carroll County Health Department, continuing her lifelong commitment to community health.

Her service extended far beyond her profession. Sally played an instrumental role in organizing the West Carroll Food Pantry and was a member of the First United Methodist Church. She believed deeply in helping others, and her actions reflected that belief every day.

Sally embraced life with a joyful spirit. She cherished her GNOs (Girls’ Night Out), where she and her friends shared meals, attended plays, and even hosted the occasional Derby party. Tuesdays were reserved for creativity and companionship with her ceramics group at CDG Ceramics in Thomson. She loved gardening, and she treasured long car rides with her sisters, each one beginning with a stop for a “BAC” (a big @$$ Coke)!

Sally was blessed with beautiful friendships, and close relationships with her siblings, but perhaps above all, Sally adored her nieces and nephews, and later her great-nieces and great-nephews. She was proudly the “fun aunt,” the one who encouraged mischief, joined in the shenanigans, and created lasting memories.

Sally will be dearly missed by her siblings, Charles (Debra) Belander III, Susan (Jeff) McIntyre, John (Renee) Belander, Mary (Stephen) Klein, Salinda Belander, and Joe Belander; nieces and nephews, Charles IV, Jill, John, Wade, Danielle, Justin, Sarah, Justing H., Kelsey, Stephen Jr., Aaron Sue, Adam, Amanda, Jordyn, Alysa, Kira, Lauren; many great nieces and great nephews; and brother-in-law, Tony Jackson. Sally is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Mary Lou; sisters, Linda Belander, Debra Jackson, Mary Louise Belander (infant); and niece Jennifer Belander.