Sandra J. Kurdziel 1938-2026

She was born May 20, 1938, in Salem, the daughter of the late W. Keith and Hazel Lucille Benner Duganne.

She graduated from Canfield High School in 1956 and continued her education at Mount Union College and Aultman Hospital, where she earned her nursing degree.

Early in her career, she worked at Woodside Receiving and later in the emergency room at Southside Hospital. In 1969, she received her certification as a nurse anesthetist and served in that role at Southside and later Northside hospitals until her retirement in 1988.

Never one to sit still, she returned to work after retirement, completing physicals for insurance companies before joining Trumbull Memorial Hospital. There, she advanced through the ranks to become nursing supervisor, a position she held until her second retirement in 2020. She was known as the go-to person whenever someone needed help starting an IV and was fondly remembered by many nurses as one of the best bosses they ever had.

Beyond her career, she enjoyed traveling and flew with her husband throughout the country and to Europe. She was active in Altrusa, where she valued the friendships and service opportunities the organization provided.

Sandra leaves behind to cherish her memory, her beloved husband, Edward Kurdziel, whom she married March 24, 1972; her children, Mark and Scott Baker, and Steven (Vivienne) Kurdziel; her grandchildren, Colleen and Brian (Crystal) Hlywa, and Kaitlynn Kurdziel; her great-grandchildren, Courtney and Casey; her brother, Keith (Linda) Duganne; her sister, Donna (Don) Soltis; as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

The family would like to express their profound gratitude to Windsor House and the nurses and aides at the New Middletown facility who provided extraordinary care and kindness.

Friends and family will be received 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, at Davis-Becker Funeral Home in Boardman.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, at St. Christine Church.

She will be laid to rest in Poland Riverside Cemetery.

Visit www.beckerobits.com to send the family condolences and share your memories.

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