Sandra J. Johnson

Sandra “Sandy” Jean Johnson (née Newell) passed away peacefully at home on December 1, 2025, surrounded by loved ones, after a short and courageous battle with cancer.

She is survived by her sons and their families, Matthew M. Johnson (Sarah Roth and Dorian Strelow) of Minneapolis, MN, and Noah D. Johnson (Ashley Stoddard and Xavier Stoddard) of Winona, MN; Ken’s children, Cheryl Knower, Christina Ehlenfeldt-Britton, and Paul Messina; her siblings, Roger Newell (Dana Roland, Devon, and Dougray) and Tom (Pam) Newell; and her beloved cat, Abby. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Shirley Ann Newell, and by her ex-husband, Kenneth J. Johnson.

Born on December 16, 1955, in Winona, Sandy graduated from Winona Senior High School in 1974. She went on to work at Brach’s Candy, where she dedicated more than 25 years of service and rose to the role of 2nd Shift Supervisor. After retiring, she proudly earned her accounting degree from MSC-ST–Winona, celebrating a long-held personal goal.

Sandy loved grilling, caring for her cats, and playing card games with friends and family. In the last six months of her life, she was especially proud of her commitment to small-group training at Anytime Fitness with close friends. She also cherished her travels with her cousin Carol Rogge for their annual Cousin’s Group travels, exploring the Midwest, Mexico, the Southeastern United States, and most recently, Colorado.

Those who knew Sandy will remember her deep empathy, compassion, and unwavering love for her family—qualities she instilled in her two boys and carried with her throughout her life.

A celebration of life will be held at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home, 376 E. Sarnia St., Winona, on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 11 AM until 2 PM, with a time to share memories at 11:30 AM.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Sandy’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.