Sandra Lee Winski, age 75, of LaPorte, Indiana, passed away Wednesday August 2, 2023 after a year-long battle with cancer.
She was born November 7, 1947 in Michigan City, Indiana, the daughter of James M. Connett and Janet L. (Krug) Connett.
She is survived by her mother, Janet Connett, of Michigan City; daughter, Kathryn Rose C. (Jason) Mitschelen of LaPorte; son James Nathan C. Winski of New Carlisle; Robert Winski of Michigan City; and beloved grandchildren Emma Mitschelen, Aubrey Staback, and Elizabeth Winski.
She is also survived by her brother, Gilbert (Yvonne) Connett of Stagecoach, CO; sisters Heather (Richard) Slater of LaPorte and Kimberly (Gail) House of Canton, GA; nieces and nephews; Traci (Sean) Steder, Greg Slater, John Connett, Jeffrey (Melissa) Connett, Pamela House, Bradley (Courtney) House; along with great nieces and nephews Ryan and Hannah Steder, Pepper and Harper Connett, and Brewer House.
She was preceded in death by her father, James Milton Connett, and great-nephew, Miller Bradley House.
Sandra graduated from Elston High School and worked at Wright Oldsmobile in Michigan City for several years where she met Robert Winski, whom she married. She then worked as office manager at Connett Cookie Company, LaPorte.
Sandra went on to own and operate the Wheel Inn restaurant in New Buffalo, Michigan for almost three decades. She dished up home-cooked meals and town favorites, like the original full mess and biscuits and gravy, and created a gathering place for all to enjoy. After selling the restaurant, she cooked at Settler’s Place Assisted Living, LaPorte, for an additional five years before retiring. Sandra always made sure everyone was fed and showed her love for her family and friends by cooking for them in times of sickness or celebration.
She also loved spending time with her grandchildren, feeding the birds, and watching the deer and other wildlife that frequented her yard.
She was hardworking, loyal, and generous to all. She will be deeply missed and her legacy as an outstanding mother and grandmother will live on.
Cremation will take place with burial at Heckman Cemetery at a later date.
Memories may be left at www.southshorecremation.com
