Lillian Sandahl

Lillian Adair Sandahl passed away March 20, 2012 in Austin at the age of 92. Born June 25, 1919 in Elgin, Texas, she was the only child of John Wilbur and Lillian Doris Neumann Cunningham of Burton. A devoted wife, daughter, and friend to many, Lillian was a very kind and loveable lady who was devoted to the service of others. Graveside services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday, March 23, 2012 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Burton, with Pastor Karen Nelson officiating. Visitation will be at graveside beginning at 1 p.m., prior to the service. A Memorial Service in Austin at the Englewood Estates will be held at a later date. Lillian is survived by her cousin, Joyce Eilers of Carmine and her children, as well as her niece, Cynthia Kelly and husband Bart of Austin and their children. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lambert S. Sandahl, and her parents, John W. Cunningham and Lillian Doris Cunningham Grein. Lillian attended Austin Business College and the University of Texas. She worked for the City of Austin as Bookkeeper at Brackenridge Hospital and as Secretary to the Water Superintendent. She retired in 1986 from the Wholesale Beer Distributors of Texas after 35 years of service. She was a member of the Manchaca United Methodist Church. Having joined in 1946, Lillian was a Life and Endowed Member of Fidelis Chapter No. 963, Order of the Eastern Star. She was Past Matron and held many other chairmanships and committee appointments in the Order of the Eastern Star. In 2006, she was named Grand Chapter Sweetheart. She was also a 50 year member of Ruh Neb No.64, Daughters of the Nile, having joined in 1952. She exhibited her many creative talents by spending innumerable hours making crafts and gifts for the hospitalized children in the Shriners Crippled Children''s and Burn Hospital in Galveston. After the death of her husband, she had been a constant caregiver for her dear friend, Elizabeth Young, caring for her for fourteen years. She spent many pleasant hours playing bridge with her friends in the Triple "FFF" Bridge Club at the Austin Woman''s Club, as well as at Englewood Estates, where she resided from July 1, 2005 to present. Lillian will be greatly missed, but warmly remembered in the hearts of many for her charm, compassion, generosity, humor and loving kindness shown to others. Lillian''s family wishes to thank Dr. Sonheim, as well as the other doctors and nurses at St. David''s South for their loving care of Lillian. The family would also like to extend special thanks to the many friends who stayed by Lillian''s side during her stay at St. David and Christopher House. She was never alone. Funeral arrangements for Lillian Adair Sandahl are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.