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From Beads to Blessings: The Story of Tending Roses

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A Seed of Devotion

Sandy’s connection to the Rosary began in childhood, inspired by her grandmother, Dr. Ann Wiegers. A woman of deep faith, Grandma Doc (as everyone called her) would often pray the Rosary with her patients, family, and friends, spreading devotion wherever she went. Though Sandy admits she didn’t always appreciate those moments as a child, they planted a seed that would later blossom into a profound love for the Rosary.

Reflecting on this, Sandy shares, “Little did I know that those prayers would carry me through life’s challenges and deepen my faith. My grandma handed me a gift that was far greater than anything material—an inheritance of faith.”

Tending Roses

Years later, Sandy’s rediscovery of the Rosary coincided with her journey back to the Catholic faith. She began creating rosaries as a personal spiritual practice, pouring her creativity into every bead and centerpiece. Before long, her beautifully handmade rosaries caught the attention of friends, family, and her community in Wahoo, Nebraska.

“Each rosary I make tells a story,” Sandy explains. “Sometimes they include vintage holy cards my grandma collected or beads with special meaning. It’s my way of honoring faith and family while creating something lasting for others.”

Sandy has crafted rosaries for various occasions, from baptisms to priestly ordinations, often incorporating family heirlooms or other meaningful items. Her attention to detail and personal touch reflects the thoughtful nature of praying the Rosary—a daily practice in her own life.

Sandy fondly recalls a special rosary she created: “When my granddaughter Nora was baptized, I wanted to make something that represented both sides of her family. So, I made a rosary using beads from generations of family members. From her Dad’s side, I included beads from myself, my mom, my grandma. From her Mom’s side, I added beads from her mom, grandma, and two great-grandmas. The rosary looked a bit different because it was made up of so many different beads, but that’s what made it so meaningful—it was a symbol of her rich family history.”

A Foundation for Giving

Sandy has experienced firsthand how impactful acts of kindness can be during difficult times. Years ago, when she was struggling to pay tuition at Wahoo Bishop Neumann, her friend Jennifer—who became her very first customer—helped her see the potential of her craft. By selling rosaries, Sandy was able to earn a little extra income, and soon, other teachers and staff at Neumann began purchasing her creations. Their generosity not only helped Sandy cover tuition but left a lasting impression on her.

When Sandy’s kids finished high school, Jennifer reached out with surprising news: Sandy had a credit on her account. That conversation sparked new possibilities. Jennifer encouraged Sandy to continue selling rosaries, this time with a larger goal in mind—to start a scholarship fund. Jennifer offered to manage donations, and together, they worked to turn the idea into reality.

“I was told I had to raise $10,000 before I could actually set it up,” Sandy recalls. “And I said, ‘Alright, let’s give it a try.’”  Through personal sales, craft fairs, and the support of her community, Sandy’s dream of the Tending Roses Scholarship became a reality much sooner than she anticipated. “It really took a lot less time than I thought it would. I was really surprised,” Sandy admits. “Since the scholarships go to students attending Saunders County Catholic Schools, I’m giving back to the community that supported me.”

Partnering with the Catholic Foundation

Sandy discovered the value of partnering with the Catholic Foundation of Southern Nebraska to maximize the impact of her giving. The Foundation has helped Sandy manage her contributions and ensure that her Rosary-inspired generosity continues to grow and benefit the community.

The process of setting up the scholarship was a learning experience. Sandy worked with Les Mach, former Planned Giving Officer at the Foundation, to establish the necessary parameters and safeguards. “We contacted Les, who helped plan all of the important financial details,” shares Sandy. “That was also fun because I had known Les for a long time.”

The Tending Roses Scholarship now serves as a vehicle for ongoing charitable giving, inspired by her rosary-making ministry. Sandy’s efforts have resulted in scholarships for multiple families, and as the Tending Roses Scholarship continues to grow, Sandy is excited about the possibility of helping even more families.

A Legacy of Love

Through her rosaries, Sandy has not only deepened her own spiritual journey but has also created lasting connections.  “Sometimes I have these moments where God is like, ‘you need to give a rosary to someone,’” she says. Sandy’s husband, Verlin, estimates that she’s made over 1,000 rosaries. “She probably gives away nearly as many as she sells,” he says. “Her personality just radiates positive change, and there are times when she feels God’s hand guiding her to help. Yes, we’re always contributing to the scholarship, but it’s also important when her generosity is better served then and there.”

Sandy’s rosary-making has taken her on unexpected adventures and led to meaningful encounters. She recalls, “I met a lady at a bead store when I was in Montana. While Verlin was at work, I was walking around, and it turned out she made rosaries, too. We became fast friends, and now I source premium beads from her for my highest-end rosaries.”

These experiences have enriched Sandy’s life and her ministry, allowing her to incorporate unique elements into her rosaries and share her faith in new ways. She remains grateful for the opportunity to share her passion with others. “I’m glad that it’s ongoing,” Sandy says of the Tending Roses Scholarship. “We’re working hard to help it grow bigger and bigger.”

Every Act of Giving Multiplies Grace

Through prayerful discernment and a generous spirit, the Catholic Foundation empowers individuals like Sandy to extend their faith and charity beyond measure. Sandy’s journey illustrates how even the humblest acts—like crafting rosaries—can become instruments of God’s grace, touching countless lives and strengthening the bonds of faith within our communities.

We invite you to consider how your gifts, like Sandy’s, can bear fruit that lasts for eternity. Contact us today to explore how the Catholic Foundation can help you create a legacy of faith—rooted in love and service—to glorify God and bless future generations.

You can learn more about Sandy’s rosaries on the Tending Roses Facebook page.