A link to view the livestream of Sandy's Funeral Mass will be posted here as soon as it becomes available.

Sandra Rose Olson Keane passed away peacefully at home from Alzheimer’s disease surrounded by the love of her family, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, friendship, and a lifelong passion for dance.

Sandra was born on February 12, 1949, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Ore I. Olson and Rose M. Olson. She graduated from Central High School in 1967 and attended Briar Cliff College. On May 8, 1970, she married the love of her life, Thomas R. Keane, at Blessed Sacrament Church. Together they built a beautiful life and raised three children: Dawn, Angela, and Kenneth.

A devoted woman of faith, Sandy was an active member of Holy Cross Parish at Blessed Sacrament Church, where she faithfully served as a lector, Eucharistic Minister, and Hospitality Minister.

At just three years old, during the 1952 polio epidemic, Sandy’s doctor recommended dance classes to help strengthen her legs. What began as therapy quickly became her life’s passion. She studied at the Orpheum Theatre and Sioux City Music and Dance School, eventually becoming an assistant instructor before opening Sandy Keane’s School of Dance in 1973. She owned and operated the studio until her retirement in 2015, inspiring thousands of dancers over more than four decades.

Sandy choreographed productions for the Sioux City Community Theatre, Bishop Heelan High School, and North High School. Her students entertained audiences throughout the Siouxland area, performing in River-Cade parades, Saturday in the Park, and countless community events. Her River-Cade floats earned numerous awards, including a River-Cade Parade Admirals Award in 2000.

She had a gift for bringing out the best in every student. One of her favorite sayings was, “There’s no such thing as the word CAN’T.” She encouraged every dancer to believe in themselves, work hard, and never be afraid of failure. Sandy herself embodied those values with an incredible work ethic, a can-do attitude, endless energy, and a commitment to giving 100% in everything she did.

Sandy’s influence reached far beyond her own studio. She served as director of the Bishop Heelan High School dance team for fifteen years, leading the team to numerous honors at Iowa State competitions. She taught dance at Briar Cliff College for five years and was a Graduate Member of the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters.

In 1981, after learning about the benefits ballet provides athletes, twenty-five members of the Heelan High School football team trained in ballet at Sandy’s studio. Their unique story was featured in the Des Moines Register.

Her dancers also had the opportunity to perform alongside the Moscow Ballet at the Orpheum Theatre for four consecutive years. They participated in Marching Auxiliaries dance competitions for many years, and Sandy’s annual dance recitals became legendary productions—made possible with the help of family, friends, parents, and students, and always followed by unforgettable celebration parties.

Beyond dance, Sandy was deeply involved in her community. She was a member of the Sioux City Junior League and a Sustainer, served as past president of Quota Club, where she was named Woman of the Year in 1996 after receiving the Woman of Excellence Award in 1993, and was a member and past president of P.E.O., Chapter GR. She was also a member of St. Theresa Study Club, volunteered with Artsplash, belonged to the Sioux City Chamber of Commerce, and proudly graduated from the Sioux City Police Department Citizen Academy in 2016. She was also a past member of the Sioux City Boat Club, now Two Rivers Golf Club.

Sandy loved friendly competition and was known for winning at bridge, golf, tennis, and just about any game she played. She treasured vacations with her children and grandchildren in Longville, Minnesota, and Okoboji, and she especially loved traveling to Hawaii.

She also adored animals, especially her golden retrievers, cocker spaniels, and her beloved Shipoo, Lucy. She never hesitated to pet-sit for friends, just as she never hesitated to help anyone who needed her.

More than anything, Sandy loved her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ore and Rose Olson; her brothers Larry Olson and wife Shirley, Ronald Olson, and Darrell Olson; her sister Barbara Eide and husband Daryl, Tom’s parents Dr. Kenneth and Dorothy Keane, brother-in-law James Keane and sister-in-law Therese Keane Risinger.

She is lovingly survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, Thomas Keane; her children Dawn (Jess) Aesoph, Angie Streeter (fiancé Rick Schaeffer), and Kenny (Shelly) Keane; her cherished grandchildren Garrett Aesoph (fiancé Mallory Holzerland), Ashley Aesoph, Amber Jones (Logan), Keenan Aesoph, Dylan Streeter, Alexis Streeter, Brianna Streeter, Victoria Keane, and Kasey Keane; along with many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Sandy’s legacy lives on through the generations of dancers she inspired, the family she loved so deeply, and the example she set of faith, determination, generosity, and unconditional love.

The family wishes to thank St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate and loving care. Memorials may be directed to St Croix Hospice.

A Rosary will be prayed at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Holy Cross Parish, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Sioux City. The family will greet friends following the Rosary until 7:00 p.m., when a Vigil service will be held. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 3, 2026, at the church. Immediately following the Mass, family and friends are invited to join Sandy's family for a luncheon and time of fellowship at the South Sioux City Marriott Riverfront. A private burial will be held on Monday at Calvary Cemetery. Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel is assisting with arrangements.