BORN

1943

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park

6300 West William Cannon Drive

Austin, Texas

Sandy Sterzing Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 4, 2017.

Mrs. Sandra Kaye Mosley Sterzing, a lifelong resident of Austin Texas, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, August 29, 2017. The daughter of Lucille V. Mosley and Robert B. Mosley, she was christened as a baby at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church and confirmed at St. David's Episcopal Church both in Austin. Sandy was a 2nd generation Restaurateur, Real Estate Agent, and a devoted mother and wife.

She was a member of Resurrection Episcopal Church serving as President of the Episcopalian Church of Women (ECW) and also served on the Vestry as Junior Warden. Sandy was a very active member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church. She cherished and adored the Parishioners and Members of St. Mark's and was an advocate of multiple new members of the Church.

Sandy was a member of the William B. Travis High School class of 1962 and has maintained close friendships with classmates ever since. She is best remembered by her classmates as being the beautiful and talented Lead Majorette.

Sandy and her husband, Ross Sterzing were married in 1963 at St. David's Episcopal Church. The couple dedicated their lives to the restaurant industry, operating iconic Austin establishments such as Dellwood Cafeteria, Big Tex Restaurants, and Ross' Old Austin Café to name a few. She was an accomplished business woman and devoted mother and wife that gave all to her children, family, and the community.

Sandy is survived by her husband of 54 years, Ross Sterzing, four children, Dawn Denise (DD), Thomas Ross (TR), Steven Charles, and Kevin Matthew with one grandson, Colin Brice. Sandy had numerous other relatives that she loved and cherished as well.

Sandy touched the lives of many people. She was loved and adored by all and will be dearly missed. She was a beacon of light inside and outside the Church that exemplified the type of compassion and love that God expects us to strive for. May she rest in peace.

A Celebration of Sandy's Life was held on September 8, 2017 at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 2128 Barton Hill Drive, at 5:30 P.M. with a reception that followed the service.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Sandy Sterzing

Sponsored by Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park.

What is your first memory of Sandy?

Share a favorite memory you have of Sandy.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Sandy.

Describe a time when Sandy made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Sandy?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Sandy.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Sandy.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Sandy.

What is something you learned from Sandy?

Not sure what to say?

September 22, 2017

John Butler

Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

September 16, 2017

Karen Glunz

Blessings for Ross and his family during this challenging time. I am a neighbor who just heard of Sandy's passing today. This is a time beyond words. I'm holding you close.

September 15, 2017

Billie Mazzagatti Klein

September 13, 2017

Kevin Sterzing

No words can ever adequately address the pain felt when losing a Loved One & the importance of the role they played in your life. Mom was an extremely empathetic, independent, & forgiving woman. Many a night's she spent worrying about her children, her husband, her Church, & her friends hoping to come up with a way to ease their pain or overcome whatever obstacle was set before them. She would literally give you the shirt off her back if the need called for it.

Her empathy was so great that I honestly believe she felt more pain at times than the individual she was trying to help & she would often sacrifice her own happiness just to make them happy or ease their pain. She wanted to do it all & make the world a better place for anyone going through troubled times. More often than not she quietly shouldered these burdens only to confide in those around her that she knew would help the person in need or at the very least would lend in impartial ear.

She Loved & protected her family with all her might. She effortlessly smoothed over conflicts within the family while ensuring everyone was happy & taken care. She ensured everyone had the opportunities & means to have a chance to succeed at whatever endeavor they pursued.
Most importantly she was always there to listen & provide feedback on whatever challenge we encountered. She was a very good listener & would always give us words of wisdom in return. She Loved us all more than we loved ourselves & nothing the world could ever throw at us would matter as long as we had the adoration & Love of Mama.

Mom certainly had all the qualities of an Angel & was by no means a pushover. Her listening skills & ability to read people made her adept at reading people & seeing through individuals with ulterior motives or less than honest intentions. These qualities spared the more naïve of us in the family from falling prey to these individuals.

There was certainly a fair share of individuals that took advantage of her generosity throughout her life but she would just dismiss it, forgive them & move on accept when it directly affected her family.
If you ever wanted to see her fearless side it would certainly come out if someone was to mess with Dad or her children. She had no qualms letting you know how she felt & would do everything in her power to protect her family. The most amazing quality that she possessed though, was her ability to forgive. Almost as instant as she would confront the trespasser she would forgive. Fearless enough to look the Devil in the eye & cast him out, but Faithful enough to Forgive their sins. That was my Mom.

I can certainly attest to the greater qualities Mama possessed with the following story.

There once was a young boy who came from a troubled family.
All problems the young boy faced at an early age, which troubled him deeply, & forced him to be the adult in the family at an early age.
His only wish was to fix & heal the problems & to have a happy family.
He just wanted everybody to get along, be happy & mostly to genuinely love one another.

Being so young he didn't have the strength or means to control the situation & his efforts to confront the issues fell on deaf ears. He rode away on his bicycle broken, defeated, & determined that he was going to make it in this world without them.
He did not know where to go or what to do. He was so used to hiding the troubles at home he didn't even know how to talk about it. So he kept riding until he ended up at the home of a someone he knew from school. He was emotionally exhausted, hot & thirsty & needed a break.

Once he was in the house, his usual attempts to hide his troubles failed. It was apparent there was a problem & the Mother came to talk to him & seemed to know exactly how to get him to let it out. She comforted him, made him feel safe & told him it's all going to be ok. She welcomed him to stay as long as he needed, gave him food, water, & the one thing he needed most of all which was Love.

Time went on & the boy went off to work. But he never left. The Love of the Mother, the Father & the whole family gave him always brought him back. This was his family, this was his home. The family he had always wished for & the Mother that he had often prayed for when he was a child. A Blessing at the very moment he needed it most.

I can attest to the greater qualities of my Mother & the whole family with this story because the Mother in this story is my Mama Sandy.

This single act of kindness changed my life forever. I could never be gracious enough to Mom for her actions at that time. She was truly an Angel in my life & the whole family was an answer to my prayers at that young age. Without hesitation, not even knowing who I was or where I came from she welcomed me into her home & invited me to her table to eat. Mom & Dad Fed me, clothed me & got me through high school. My Brothers & sister & the entire family gave me the Love I needed to continue on & face the challenges of life and treated me like family instead of being the stranger that I was.

If this does not illustrate the pure qualities in a person that God expects us to strive for I don't know what does. Mom lead this charge within the family & this was indicative of the kind of woman she was. She helped me to overcome the challenges I faced & I will always be thankful to her for this gesture.

She gave until she was tired & could give no more.
I've always bottled up my problems & she always saw through that & encouraged me to talk it out. In this way she was like having a Mom & a best friend.
She was the heart of the family & the hub that kept it all together.

I will miss her.

It hurts deeply to see her go but I know she wants us all to rejoice & be happy.
My only regret is that she really did not like to receive the same help she so generously gave, & I only wish we could have done more to keep her here longer, but Gods will is not for us to control.
She was certainly a rock in my life & I know she was the same for many others.
Many tears will fall but I know she is at peace now, with the same strong women that were part of her life, her Daddy & most importantly God.

I will certainly Love her & will miss her forever. She was one of a kind.
She was a strong woman that was beautiful inside & out.
Rejoice & Celebrate the wonderful life & legacy she leaves behind.
Once you've shed your tears, put a smile back on your face because she wouldn't want it any other way. Cherish the memories she gave us & forge ahead.
Rest in Peace Mom. I will miss our talks.
God Bless all who grieve her loss.

September 13, 2017

Ross Sterzing I am so sorry for your loss. I don't know if you even remember me but you were one of my favorite students of all time. I was your fourth grade teacher at Travis Heights Elementary school. We had a great year filled with fun if you recall. I've thought of you and the others so much through the years. Take care of yourself and be strong at this challenging time in your life. Don't forget I love you and am thinking of you. Sincerely, Ms. Mazzagatti

September 12, 2017

DD Sterzing

Mommy,

You're my light & my shining star. You gave me life then I became your new baby girl. From that day forward & from now until we meet again I will continue aspiring to reach the levels of success that you always hoped I could achieve.

I accepted your inner glow which has given me the strength to make it through various trials & tribulations & blessed us with my son, Your grandson Brice. Brice in turn has introduced us to a blessed new member of the family, Ida.

Their relationship is evidence of the quality of the company Brice keeps. This in turn is a direct reflection of the high Godly moral values that you have always wished your family would aspire to.

Mommy, anyone & everyone reading this loves you & misses you.
We will see you soon.

September 12, 2017

Steven Sterzing

Momma,

Nobody really has a true grip on the human condition. I sat with you just the other day and we each ate a chopped beef sandwich. I sat, just behind you and we ate together, but with little eye contact and intimate conversation. That fact will haunt me forever. Why didn't I sit right in front of you so we could gaze into each other's eyes as we ate and pleasantly conversed? I guess I assumed that there would be an everlasting number of tomorrows and we'd pick up where we left off. Confirming once again this human condition.

Your effort to cloak your actual condition fooled no one. Dad, DD, Darlene, Ramona, Kevin, possibly even TR. I know that the staff at the hospital wasn't happy with your release, but you were ready to go. I do understand that now. You and Dad put a whole lot of effort into us kiddo's. I'm starting to cry as I write these closing words for this note. I hope you rest well Momma.

Daddy, Kevin, DD, TR & myself shall do our very best to carry on as you would have us do. We are left with your final & most exemplary condition and the most important condition. Each one of us including family, relatives, friends, fellow parishioner's and even total strangers are left with your most extraordinary, exemplary, magnificent, unconditional gift.

Momma, you leave all of us with your most gracious & unconditional love.

September 11, 2017

TR Sterzing

Yes, she only had that one heart for all to share. She shared it openly and abundantly and without reservation to anyone in her family, church, circle of friends and an occasional person of need on the street corner, whom she'd offer food in lieu of money hoping to help in maybe just a small way.

As most people know, who knew her well, she would actually feel guilty for missing her blood drive but you knew she'd be at the blood bank first thing in the morning. She loves her Holy Trinity and her place of worship. She loved her weekly and bi-weekly appointments to help with the collection of tithes during Sunday services. She loved her fellowshipping with everyone and in particular the women's get together's for fundraising through pot-luck suppers and bake sales. She was president of ECW at a former congregation for 3 years and Junior Warden of the Vestry for another three. She was extremely proud of that and loved every minute. Yes, you can say her small little heart had enough love for anyone lucky enough to find it.

September 11, 2017

Sarah Sterzing

Austin and our world will never be the same. Thank you for all of the love you shared. XOXOXO

Always,
Sarah Elizabeth

September 10, 2017

Dawn Sterzing

Love has no boundaries, including death, I love you Mamma!

September 8, 2017

Mason and Dorothy Reid

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Ross, and your family.

September 8, 2017

Earlene Lambeth

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My sincere condolences, Earlene and Brian Lambeth

September 8, 2017

Lou McCreary

My most sincere condolences to the family-Sandy and her family have been good friends for many years. Lou McCreary

September 7, 2017

Diane Lung

Ross and Family,
We are sad for your loss and have wonderful memories of our times together in the restaurant world. We will miss Sandy and are praying for you and the family. Diane and Joe Lung

September 7, 2017

Terry and Melanie Collins

Ross, we feel for you and all your family. God bless, and we will keep you in our prayers.

September 7, 2017

Jim Smith

Rave on Sandy, you will be missed. Ross, I am so sorry for your great loss.

September 6, 2017

Robert Sarver

Ross, I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Sandy. I have very fond memories of the time I worked for you at Big Tex. Every morning sandy would ask me if I had the hamburger sets made and the potatoes wrapped. My condolences to you and the family.

September 6, 2017

Leslie Delvige

Your family is in our prayers. God bless all of you during this time. Sandy will be missed by all of us.

Leslie, Ray and Danny

September 6, 2017

Gary Todd

Dear Sterzing family,
Since our friendship with Sandy in the early 1980s, we always found her to be one of the nicest and most engaging people anybody could want to know. Now that she has gone before the rest of us into eternity, we are pleased that she accepted the gift of salvation through Our Savior and has exchanged this world for the security, uplifting joys and unending happiness that we all seek with Him.
Carol and Gary Todd

September 6, 2017

LARRY NOHRA

Our sincere condolences to Ross and all of the family. Some friendships last a lifetime and this is how we felt about Sandy even though it has been awhile since we have seen all of you. God bless all of you, We love you. Larry & Margie

September 5, 2017

Tricia and Louis Schmitz

Ross, We're sending our most heart-felt condolences to you and your family at this very difficult time. We were shocked to hear of Sandy's death and can only imagine what you're going through right now. We pray that God's love and grace will sustain you and give you strength in your grief. Love to you.

September 5, 2017

Fritz Fatheree

In times like this I sometimes find myself at a loss for words. I have known Sandy since the late fifties. Sandy had qualities we all admired. Loving, caring, tenacious, comical, personable, eye catching and very talented and sharing of herself. From a young girl to womanhood Sandy was outstanding. She was without doubt one of the most resonating people I ever came to know. One doesn't forget someone like Sandy Mosely Sterzing...and we shouldn't and we wont.

September 4, 2017

Jean Dale

Bob and I are so sorry for the lose of Sandy . The day before She passed away , she called us and said she was going to put us on her church's prayer list, due to the hurricane disaster in Houston. Even though she was physically weak, she thought of others . Her faith in God was always evident . I will miss her smile , hugs and intense spunk . In spite of her desire to be with us , she was tired of hospitals , doctors , surgeries and the frustrations of side effects and I think she was ready to meet her Lord and receive what he promises .We are sorry for the grief you will go through . Our thoughts and prayers will be with you during this time . We will be there to grieve with you .

September 4, 2017

Margie Lehman Malone

Those many slumber parties during our high school years, were the best of times!

Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results

Make a Donation
in Sandy Sterzing's name

Memorial Events
for Sandy Sterzing

Sep

8

Memorial service

St. Mark's Episcopal Church

2128 Barton Hills Dr., TX

Funeral services provided by:

Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park

6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749

How to support Sandy's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Sandy Sterzing's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more