Sandra Jane (“Sandy”) Hass, a distinguished community leader, dedicated philanthropist, and former resident of Rock Island, Illinois, passed away on March 8, 2026, at the age of 85. Most recently residing at The Fountains in Bettendorf, Iowa, Hass left behind a profound legacy defined by her unwavering commitment to healthcare advocacy, community enrichment, and faith-based service. Having recently celebrated her 85th birthday surrounded by her family, her life stands as a testament to the quiet yet transformative power of civic engagement and steadfast compassion.
Early Life & Education
Born to Glen and Jane Perkins, Sandra grew up in a household that valued connection, resilience, and service. She shared her formative years with her sisters, Jody High and Jean Buchanan, and her brother, Glen Perkins. These early family dynamics instilled in her a deep-seated sense of duty to others—a principle that would guide her personal and professional endeavors throughout her life.
On June 15, 1963, she married Arthur John Hass Jr. at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Rock Island, Illinois. Together, they built a life anchored in family, faith, and a shared dedication to their local community. While she dedicated much of her early adulthood to raising her children—John, Greg, and Elizabeth—Sandra simultaneously cultivated a robust portfolio of civic involvement, laying the groundwork for her later leadership roles in regional non-profits.
Career Zenith & Contributions
Sandra Hass’s professional legacy is most visibly defined by her extensive work in the non-profit and healthcare advocacy sectors. Operating at the intersection of community welfare and institutional support, she served as the President of the Franciscan Medical Center Auxiliary. In this authoritative role, Hass directed strategic fundraising initiatives, managed volunteer networks, and facilitated programs designed to enhance patient care and hospital operations. Her tenure at the Auxiliary demonstrated a high level of expertise in non-profit governance, bridging the gap between medical institutions and the communities they serve.
Beyond her contributions to healthcare, Hass was a recognized figure in regional horticulture and environmental beautification. As the past President of the Tri-City Garden Club, she applied her extensive botanical knowledge to community projects. Her personal, award-winning flower gardens were not merely a hobby, but a demonstration of her meticulous skill in landscape design and plant cultivation. Under her leadership, the Garden Club expanded its outreach, promoting environmental stewardship and civic beautification throughout the Quad-Cities area.
Leadership & Affiliations
Hass’s authoritativeness in community leadership was matched by her deep commitment to faith-based initiatives. She was one of the original founding members of Heritage Wesleyan Church in Rock Island, where she remained a cornerstone of the congregation for decades. Her involvement extended far beyond weekly attendance; she was an active participant and leader in numerous ministries.
Her dedication to service culminated in a humanitarian mission trip to Africa. This international outreach was a defining milestone that broadened her philanthropic scope, allowing her to apply her organizational skills and compassion on a global scale. Through these varied affiliations—from healthcare to horticulture to global missions—Hass demonstrated a versatile, impactful, and deeply empathetic leadership style.
Legacy & Impact
The true measure of Sandra Hass’s life is found in both her public contributions and her private resilience. She faced profound personal tragedies with extraordinary grace, most notably during the prolonged illness of her daughter, Elizabeth Ann Carius. Sandra quietly and steadfastly shouldered the burdens of caregiving until Elizabeth’s passing in 2015. Despite this lasting void, as well as the loss of her husband, John, in 2018, Sandra continued to live with strength, dedicating her later years to her family and traveling extensively with her sons and their families.
She is survived by her sons, John Hass (Mary Frances Budig) and Greg Hass (Dr. Melinda Hass); her brother, Glen Perkins (Teresa Perkins); her sisters, Jody High and Jean Buchanan; and her cherished grandchildren: William, Caleb (Mryn), Anna, Alexander, and Georgia. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Arthur John Hass Jr.; her daughter, Elizabeth; and her brothers-in-law, Richard Buchanan and Richard High.
Sandra’s final years were spent at The Fountains in Bettendorf, where she received dedicated care from the staff and unwavering support from her special friend, Kay Christiansen, who checked on her weekly for years.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory in Rock Island, followed by services on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Heritage Wesleyan Church. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery. Sandra Jane Hass will be remembered not only for her institutional leadership and award-winning gardens but for the enduring warmth, deep faith, and profound love she shared with her community and family.