In the peace of her Valparaiso, IN home of 34 years, Sandra "Sandy" Lynne (Pollard) Corso, 74, of Valparaiso, IN passed away on Saturday, October 12, 2024, from age-related cardiovascular disease.
Born on September 7, 1950, at Coleman Women's Hospital in Indianapolis, IN, Sandy was the oldest of three children born to Ted A. and Betty M. (Davis) Pollard. She grew up with her parents and two younger brothers at the home her parents built in Hillcrest Acres on the south side of Indianapolis, IN. She graduated from Southport High School in 1968, intending to pursue a career in teaching. She received her Bachelor of Science in Education from Indiana State University in 1972, as well as a Master of Science in School Administration from Purdue University in 1975.
An accomplished competitive age group and high school swimmer, who also excelled at synchronized swimming, Sandy was the Indiana Girls Athletic Association high school state champion in the 50-yard breaststroke during her senior year (1968). Her professional teaching career spanned over thirty years, including service at Kokomo High School in Kokomo, IN; Wayne High School in Fort Wayne, IN; Churubusco High School in Churubusco, IN; and eventually Portage High School in Portage, IN where she taught physical education and health science for 24 years. Her teaching prowess was recognized on multiple occasions, including receiving the prestigious Portage High School "Ace's Award" four times. Teachers honored with the "Ace's Award" are nominated by a student who feels a particular instructor was their most influential teacher during their 12 years of elementary and high school instruction.
Sandy married U.S. Army veteran and "Green Beret" Leonard "Lenny" M. Corso on April 28, 1973, in Logansport, IN. In 2023, Sandy and Lenny celebrated 50 years of marriage. The marriage produced two beloved daughters: Andrea R. Corso (Steve Brockner) of Houston, TX and Erica L. Corso (Megan O'Hare) of Rockville, MD. In addition to her husband and two daughters, Sandy leaves behind brothers Ted D. Pollard (Deborah Allen) and Vince A. Pollard (Shika C. Jones Pollard) of Indianapolis, IN, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A celebration of Sandy's life with eulogies will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Moeller Funeral Home, Valparaiso, IN from 1:00pm - 4:00pm (CST), followed by a celebration dinner at the American Legion Post #94 at 4:30 pm, Valparaiso, IN. Internment will take place at noon (EST) on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at Mount Hope Cemetery, Logansport, IN. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Valparaiso Kiwanis Foundation, P.O. Box 1661, Valparaiso, IN 46384; or the Ivy Tech Foundation "Nursing Scholarships", 3100 Ivy Tech Drive, Valparaiso, IN. 46383 or the Hobart Animal Shelter, 2054 IN-130, Hobart, IN 46342.
GUESTBOOK
God help you through this time on your next journey of life. Memories are forever and you will all be together to share them again in time. Thinking of you Lenny and your family. -Helen (Guy) Howell
Sounds like Sandy was an amazing athlete and teacher. I know she reared a loving, funny, smart daughter, Erica, who we are so lucky and proud to have joined our family when she married our niece Megan. My love goes out to you during this sad time. -Jenny Wiebler
Dear Lenny & Family, My deepest condolences to you and your family during this time. May Sandy's memory be for a beautiful blessing. Warm Regards, -Erika Mihalek
Dear Lenny, I was Sorry to learn about Sandy’s passing. She was a wonderful lady. I remember many our many family gatherings when we were all together. Sandy always found time to speak to me. God bless you my friend. -Doug Hannah
Extending our sincere condolences for your loss. May God provide you with his peace and may fond memories bring you comfort now and in the days ahead. God’s blessings to all. -Bob and Phyl Raderstorf
My deepest sympathy for your loss. My prayers for you and your family. She had true commitment to our youth. -Robert Minard
Dear Lenny, I was Sorry to learn about Sandy’s passing. She was a wonderful lady. I remember many our many family gatherings when we were all together. Sandy always found time to speak to me. God bless you my friend. -Doug Hannah
My thoughts and prayers are with the family….my deepest sympathy. -Dina Lozano
Asking God to surround you with His perfect peace & love. -Alan & Melissa Boughton
Sorry for the loss of your Sandy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. -Jan and Marian Dick
Dear Erica, we were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your mother. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Please know we are here for you . With heartfelt sympathy, Passeto Cleaning Services team. -Lucia Olgiati
LENNY IM SO SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF THE THVE OF YOUR LOSS. IM SORRY I NEVER GOT TO MEET HER. IM SENDING PRAYERS AND LOVE TO YOU. -Cheryl Phillips
For me and my family, aunt Sandy was a kind and gentle presence in our lives. She always was eager to hear of how things were going for us and how the kids were growing and learning. We shared many stories about working in education and what impacts and sacrifices are made in such a career. Sandy was a kind and gentle presence in my life and always made me and my family feel her love. She will be deeply missed. -Bruce and Carolina Boughton
Our condolences to you Lenny, and your family. Sandy was life, smiles, laughter, love and kindness here on earth. We pray she is happy and free of pain in heaven with Jesus, amen. -Tia & Lanier Chiesi
Lenny, So sorry to hear about Sandy. She was a wonderful person. So blessed to have known her. Prayers are with you and your family. -Wendy Piunti