Colleen Anderson Sanford, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, May 23, 1951 - February 20, 2025.

Colleen A. Sanford tragically passed away from a brain bleed after slipping on the ice outside of her home. News of her unexpected death sent shock waves through her extended family, friends, and loved ones, leaving many to pick up the pieces of their shattered hearts. She will be missed and remembered always.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Minnehaha Country Club (3101 W. 22nd St., Sioux Falls, South Dakota), with a reception to follow.

Colleen Anderson Sanford was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Lauretta Metzler & Raymond Anderson on May 23, 1951.

After graduating from O'Gorman High School in Sioux Falls in 1969, Colleen worked as a dental assistant for several dentists in the Sioux Falls area.

In 1974, Colleen moved to Indianapolis to live with Sister Joanie and Joanie's three sons (Tony, Patrick, and Marty) to start a new chapter of her life. She worked as a dental assistant for several years. Then, in 1978, she opened and co-owned Savvy Decor' - a premier residential design firm serving Indianapolis and the surrounding areas.

In 1987, while visiting Sioux Falls, Colleen met T. Denny Sanford, and they married in 1995. Throughout the course of their relationship, Colleen and Denny traveled extensively, and it was during this time that she found her happy place in Carefree, Arizona. Together, Colleen and Denny enjoyed golfing, skiing, and hosting philanthropic events for various charitable organizations. Even though Colleen and Denny parted ways, they remained lifelong friends and confidants.

While living in Arizona, Colleen was deeply inspired by the surrounding culture and landscape. So much so that she cultivated her passion for painting, took painting classes, and created many pieces of beautiful artwork.

In 1999, Colleen returned to Sioux Falls to be with her mother, Lauretta, while she was in hospice. It was during this time that Colleen found her calling and passion. She was more than just a volunteer; she devoted countless hours of studying to fully immerse herself in hospice care to ensure that she provided the utmost quality care to each of her patients. She marked at least 10 years of volunteer service to the Hospice of the Valley in Arizona.

From 2005 to the early 2010s, she split her time between Sioux Falls and Scottsdale, allowing her to enjoy time with friends, golf, and hike. A lifelong learner, she enjoyed traveling to various conferences on topics that she found interesting.

As her macular degeneration worsened, she decided to make Sioux Falls her permanent home. Despite the obstacles she faced with having limited eyesight, she was fiercely independent, self-sufficient, and maintained a routine of self-care and socialization.

Even though Colleen did not have children of her own, she took her role as an Aunt very seriously and found immense joy in being active in each of the lives of her many nieces and nephews.

Colleen had the ability to light up any room she entered. She was a beautiful person, inside and out. She loved live music, dancing, going to movies, and happy hour with friends. She had the best heart and a beautiful soul - she was arguably an angel on earth.

If you happen to hear Mustang Sally by Wilson Pickett, be sure to think of Colleen. It was her favorite song.

Colleen was preceded in death by her parents, Lauretta (Metzler) & Raymond Anderson, her sisters Mary Lou Breit and Virginia Ralston, her brother Marly Anderson, brothers-in-law Al McIlvenna, Ron Mulvihill, and Gerry Ralston.

Colleen is survived by her sisters Jeanne Mulvihill, Joanie Anderson, and Lian Zea (Jay). Her brothers Tom Anderson and Mark Anderson (Somer). Her brother-in-law, James Breit. Her nieces and nephews: Jill Mallett (Mark), Missy Hunke (Jeff), Lisa Mayer, Martin "Marty" McIlvenna, Tony Mcilvenna (Donna), Patrick Mcilvenna (Beth), Annlee Ralston (Nelvin Perrault), Alex Ralston, Laura Ralston (Steve Vandenberg), Matt Ralston, Jenn Anderson, Tony Breit (Melissa Nicholson Breit), Lance Breit (Melissa), Virgina Breit Nepp, Kristine Anderson (Tom Coonan), Jayme Mothershead (Matt), Colleen Zea Douthit (Ronnie), Maria Castro (Christian), Lucas Anderson (Victoria), Hunter Anderson, Payton Ortman, William Ortman, numerous great nieces and nephews. The love of her life, T. Denny Sanford, and his sons Scott Sanford (Rada) and Bill Sanford (Andrea).

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to the Children's Home Society of South Dakota Children's Home Foundation (https://chssd.org/support/foundation) or the Sanford Children's Hospital.