Sandy

Sandra “Sandy” Marie (Rosager) Shikany, age 84, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2026, in Bellingham, Washington, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. At her side were her devoted husband of 63 years, Bill, and her eldest son, Mike.

To those who knew her, Sandy will be remembered for how completely she gave herself to others. Her life was defined by selfless love, quiet sacrifice, unwavering kindness, and an unshakable devotion to her family.

Sandy was born on March 31, 1942, in San Francisco, California, to Shirley (Forbregd) Rosager and Viggo Rosager. In 1953, Sandy, her mother, Shirley, and her younger brother, Gary, moved to Wolf Point, Montana. She graduated from Wolf Point High School in 1959 and then attended Carroll College in Helena, Montana, where she distinguished herself as Homecoming Queen, Student Body Vice President, Student Body Secretary, a member of the Delta Epsilon Sigma Honor Society, and class valedictorian in 1963.

It was also at Carroll College that she met the love of her life, Bill. Their marriage of 63 years became the foundation of a remarkable family and a lifelong partnership built on unwavering love, mutual respect, and steadfast devotion.

Although she possessed the intelligence and talent for a distinguished professional career, Sandy willingly set those ambitions aside to dedicate herself fully to raising her family. Motherhood was not simply something she did, it was her life’s calling. Every decision she made was guided by what was best for her husband and children. She worked tirelessly, sacrificed without complaint, and consistently placed the needs of others before her own. She denied herself countless material luxuries so her children could enjoy opportunities and experiences that brought them happiness. She never viewed these sacrifices as burdens, only as expressions of love.

Sandy’s relationship with God was the compass that guided her life. Her Catholic faith was never something she simply professed - it was something she lived each day through humility, grace, self-sacrifice, and unconditional love. She and Bill raised their family to pray together every evening and worship together at Sunday Mass, instilling in their children a faith that would remain one of her greatest gifts to them.

As her children grew older, Sandy pursued another calling that perfectly reflected her lifelong love of learning. She enjoyed a long career as an elementary school librarian at North Park and Meadowlark Elementary Schools in Billings, Montana. She believed deeply in the power of education, books, truth, and curiosity, and she delighted in helping generations of children discover the joy of reading. Sandy’s love of books, reading, and lifelong learning was passed down to her sons and grandchildren.

Later in life, nothing brought Sandy greater happiness than becoming “Grandma.” Her five grandchildren became the absolute lights of her life. They could always count on birthday gifts, Christmas presents, Valentine’s surprises, Easter treats, Thanksgiving packages, St. Patrick’s Day cards, and countless other thoughtful reminders that they were deeply loved. College care packages filled with her famous homemade “Oh Henry” bars and Butter Nut Balls became treasured traditions that her family will forever remember.

Sandy possessed one of the gentlest spirits imaginable. She carried herself with uncommon grace, humility, and kindness. Those who knew her well often remarked that they could not remember hearing her speak an unkind or negative word about anyone. She naturally looked for the good in people and treated everyone she encountered with warmth, compassion, and respect.

She also had an extraordinary love for animals and the natural world. Her family’s beloved Shelties, Rusty, Sonny, and Blackie, were cherished members of the household, and no stray animal that wandered onto her property was ever turned away hungry or without shelter. She was captivated by the wildlife of the American West, especially grizzly bears and wolves, and spent countless peaceful hours birdwatching with Bill. She was also a longtime member of the Audubon Society.

A passionate environmentalist throughout her life, Sandy was also a longtime member and officer of the Sierra Club. She found peace, inspiration, and spiritual renewal outdoors, especially among the majestic mountains of Montana, Wyoming, and Washington, and along the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest coastline. Some of her happiest memories were made camping and hiking with family, friends, and the family dog throughout Yellowstone National Park and the Beartooth Mountains near Red Lodge, Montana. Sandy had a deep fascination with the rugged Beartooth Mountains, and when she discovered topographical maps, she would pore over them at the kitchen table at home and in the trailer at the campsite.

Creativity flowed naturally through every stage of Sandy’s life. She was a gifted writer of short stories and poetry, in which her delightful sense of humor and beautiful penmanship often shined through. She loved photography, art, and Broadway theater, and later discovered a passion for quilting. What began as a hobby blossomed into an extraordinary talent, and she became an award-winning quilter whose beautiful works reflected both her artistic eye and remarkable patience.

More than anything else, she leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, and unconditional love that will continue to guide generations to come. Her life reminds us that greatness is often found not in recognition or accomplishment, but in countless quiet acts of generosity, kindness, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to others. She enriched every life she touched simply by loving so completely.

Sandy is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, Bill (Keith William) Shikany; her sons, Michael Thomas (Teresa) Shikany of Bellingham, Washington, and Anthony John (Jennifer) Shikany of Summit, New Jersey; her five cherished grandchildren, William, John, Natalie, Holden, and Palmer; and many extended family members and dear friends whose lives were forever enriched by her love. She was preceded in death by her brother, Gary Rosager; her mother, Shirley; and her father, Francis B. Delaney.

A celebration of Sandy’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, the Sierra Club, National Audubon Society, or a local animal rescue organization - causes that reflected Sandy’s lifelong compassion for people, wildlife, and the natural world.

The measure of Sandy’s life was never found in what she accumulated, but in what she gave away. She loved completely, sacrificed willingly, and left behind a family whose lives will forever bear the imprint of her remarkable grace. Her love remains her greatest legacy.