Saundra Ann Auchter Kolquist

Sandy passed away November 23, 2009 after a valiant fight against advanced breast cancer. She passed away at Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene, Texas. Sandy was born to Charles Camillus Auchter and Margaret Elizabeth (Murphy) Auchter on December 13, 1941 in Pittsburgh, PA. She graduated from Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Academy, Coraopolis, PA, in 1959. She was president of her senior class of 18 girls. She attended Kent State University and received a BS in Biology. She then attended D. T. Watson Physical Therapy School, graduating in 1963. After a few years working as a Physical Therapist in the Pittsburgh area, she entered the USAF as a Physical Therapist, stationed at Gunter AFB, AL, Weisbaden AB, Germany, Carswell AFB, TX and March AFB, CA, where she met and married Robert Clare (Bob) Kolquist on Jan 17, 1973. They then moved to England being stationed at RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall. They were transferred to Ellsworth AFB, SD, and later to Dyess AFB, TX in 1983. After retiring in 1986, Sandy started the Phase 1 Cardiac Rehab Program at Abilene Regional Medical Center. She left there in 1996 and worked at a nursing home as Rehab Coordinator. Following diagnosis of Stage IV Breast Cancer that had spread to her liver and bones, she retired again. She loved her family, traveling, quilting and her animals. She also enjoyed her special project of machine embroidered "Comfort Angels". She made and gave out over 700 of them to people in need. Sandy is survived by husband, Bob, son, Paul and his wife Kay, daughter Gina and her husband John Mordica, son, Christian; grandchildren Katie, Alex and Abby Mordica, Paul Kolquist, Jr. and one great granddaughter, Lily Mordica and sister Barbara and husband Joe Placek of Pittsburgh, PA. The family would like to thank Dr. Hirsch and his staff at Hendrick Cancer Center and all of the Staff at Parker 7. Memorials may be sent to Zion Lutheran Church, Capital Campaign, or the Cancer Services Network, or your favorite charity. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, with Pastor Clyde Kieschnick officiating. Interment of her ashes will follow at 2:00 p.m. in The Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene, Texas.