Sandra Fae Nelson, age 82, of Canby, MN, passed away Thursday, April 30, 2026 at the Sylvan Court Nursing Home in Canby, MN. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby, MN. Visitation will be held Saturday one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in the Canby City Cemetery, Canby, MN. Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel in Canby, MN is entrusted with the arrangements.
Sandra Fae Nelson, lovingly known as “Nanny”, was born on March 9, 1944, in Canby, Minnesota, to Eddie Nelson and Christine (Schwartz) Nelson. She was baptized and confirmed at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby, where her faith remained an important part of her life. Sandra graduated from Canby High School and later worked at Swifts in Marshall, Minnesota. She also dedicated her time to volunteer service at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church and the Lund House in Canby, where she enjoyed helping others by being involved in her community. Sandra entered the Sylvan Court Nursing Home on January 5, 2012. Sandra found joy in many simple pleasures. She loved flowers, bead art, butterflies, Barbie dolls, painting, Bingo, music, Beanie Babies, Nascar and cheering on the Minnesota Twins. One of her favorite activities was chauffeuring her mother, Christine, on adventures to find the latest Beanie Babies. She especially enjoyed keeping up with family and friends through social media and treasured seeing photos of the people she loved. Although Sandra never married, those that knew her knew the true love of her life was country music star Alan Jackson. Her sense of humor, unique personality, and ability to make others smile will be fondly remembered by all who knew her. Sandra was also known for her favorite refreshments, Coke and Bud Light, and for making it clear that water was never her beverage of choice. She was known for her distinctive sense of style and her love of the color purple. She was always dressed to the nines! It was rare to see her without something purple in her outfit and was always accessorized with dangling earrings, a necklace, bracelet and rings. Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, Eddie and Christine Nelson and brother-in-law, Harold Streich.
She leaves behind her sister Sharon Streich; nephews: Bob and Renee Streich and Bruce Streich; niece Brenda and Mike Hoium; Bob and Renee’s kids and grandkids: Josh Streich, Rylynn, Ryan and Rykyn; Kelly and Brad Danielson, Drake, Kacey and Ross Schaefer, Carter and Maddie Anderson, Presley; Brenda and Mike’s kids and grandkids: Brenna and Tony Krause, Levi, Anna, Lane and Theo, Hanna Hoium and Eric Meyer; along with friends and loved ones who will miss her dearly and cherish the memories they shared. Sandra’s kindness, laughter, and love of life’s little joys will remain in the hearts of those who knew her. Sandra found joy in simple things and lived a meaningful life on her own terms. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Sharon and family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Sylvan Court for their compassionate care, kindness and friendship they provided Sandra throughout the years. Your patience, support and genuine concern brought comfort to Sandra and her family. We are deeply thankful for the many ways you enriched her life and treated her with dignity, respect and love.
