Memorial

Sandra Rae Birmingham, 79, joined her loving husband, Michael, in heaven on August 23, 2019. 

Sandra was born in Cedar Rapids on January 21, 1940, where she lived her entire life. She was a men’s hairstylist, and owned and operated Centurion Hairstyling. She later went on to work for the Small Business Administration and the US Attorney’s Office. 

She was preceded in death by her husband Michael; sisters Carol Wernett, Sally McDowell, and Nancy Welter; and brothers Richard and Roger Donegan.

Left to cherish her memory is her daughter, Julie Elam (Mike); son David Nelson, grandchildren Sarah Cliff, Jason Nelson (Janice), Christopher, Casey, and Lisa Edinger, and many great-grandchildren and extended family members.

Sandra was very proud of her Irish roots. Her family was everything to her. She loved getting together with everyone on holidays, especially Thanksgiving, and it was a tradition for family to gather weekly at her house for Sunday supper, along with the neighborhood wildlife to visit for their daily meals. She was an animal lover and did everything she could to help them. 

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 27, 2019, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Funeral services will take place at 11 AM on Wednesday, August 28 at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. Burial will follow at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. 

Donations may be directed to the family or to Critter Crusaders.