Sandra Sue (Morton) Baum, 73

Sandra Sue (Morton) Baum, 73, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed away on Sept. 24, 2015.

Sandi was born in Washington, D.C., on June 15, 1942, to Dorothea Virginia (Sullivan) and Jason Robert Morton. Sandra was raised by her grandmother, Joy E. (Grayson) Morton. Her Aunt Virginia (Morton) Del Villagio was also a never ending source of love and guidance for Sandra during her childhood.

Sandi was married to Robert Colligan in 1958 (Washington, D.C.) and they had Dennis and Cheryl Colligan. She married Robert Peterson in 1966 (Washington, D.C.) and they had Laurel and Matthew Peterson. Sandi and Robert moved the family west to California and then to North Idaho where they met dear friends Mary and Paul Polakiewicz. Sandi later married Jim Gertsch (Coeur d’Alene) in 1978 and then Clyde Baum (Rathdrum, Idaho) in 1983.

Sandi was a talented artist working in oil, pencil, pen and ink, and watercolor. Her work was chosen for Expo ’74 by the Academy of Quality Art. She also sold her work via local art shows and fairs, as advertising art and private commissions. She served as president of the Coeur d’Alene Art Association, 1970-71. Sandi worked as a police dispatcher, EMT and as a life skills coach for adults with disabilities. Later she volunteered as a senior companion for the housebound, providing caregiver respite. She was generous and always tried to help others in any way she could. She was an avid learner and reader who studied religions, spirituality, life after death, burial customs, the origin of mankind, and tribal, Egyptian and many other cultures. She enjoyed spending time in nature, Native American flute music, and loved her family, friends and pets.

Sandi is survived by her children: sons Dennis Colligan and Matthew Peterson; daughters Cheryl (Colligan) Karraker and Laurel (Peterson) Rollins, and son-in-law Mike Rollins; Grandchildren: Cassandra (Karraker) Studd, Amy (Foley) Maddox, Nikki Hall and Sean Rollins; Great-grandchildren: Kylieanna Mattingly, Katelynne Mattingly, Austynn Maddox, Tyler Maddox, Brayden Maddox and Ryder Curtis. She is also survived by her brother, Robert Morton of Lehigh Acres, Fla.; and sister Melanie Morton of Charleston, S.C.; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

The family will hold a memorial service for Sandi at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct, 4, 2015, at the home of her daughter, Laurel Rollins in Post Falls, Idaho. Friends and family are welcome. Please visit the online memorial page for Sandra Morton Baum at www.belltowerfuneralhome.com. The family of Sandra Baum wishes to thank Crest Home Health and Hospice, and Life Care Center of Coeur d’Alene, for the loving end of life care and comfort they provided Sandra and her family. Memorial donations made be made to these organizations in lieu of flowers.