As many of you know, it breaks my heart to say my aunt, Sabine (Mush) Kauppila, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, 05/15/20. Born in Waukegan, Illinois on 01/13, Sabine was just fifty-one years old when she passed away.

Sabine lived for her family. She left behind her boyfriend, Rob Nelson, and three grieving children, Amber (Matthew) Peacock, Aimee Spinato (Matthew Kasten), and Henry Spinato (Cassie Pena). She also maintained a close relationship with her children's father, Henry Spinato Sr. Sabine was a proud grandmother to her two grandsons, Aiden and Oliver and especially loved her Australian Cattle Dog, Java. She was a loving daughter to her surviving father, James Kauppila, and her mother, Renate, who passed away last October. Sabine cared greatly for her siblings, Angela Kauppila, Marian (Keith) Kangas, Jim Kauppila (Tammy), and Michelle Kauppila (Allen Jahovic). She was also an involved aunt to her nieces and nephews, Amanda (James) French, Samantha (Lucas) Baldwin, Megan (Dakota) Tarvas, Sara (Mike) Swick, Jennifer (Nicholas) Aker, Mitchel (Jamie) Kauppila, James Kauppila (deceased), Mason Kauppila, and Lily Kauppila.  

Sabine was teeming with life and charisma. She was always unapologetically herself and so captivating. She took on life with strength, humor, and had an enormous impact on those around her. Sabine was incredibly loyal, giving, and full of compassion. She was quirky and had the best stories to share. By the first five seconds of a conversation with Mush, she'd have tears of laughter streaming down your face. Though she wasn't just humorous. She was full of wisdom of had so much love to give. Her hugs were warm and her eyes would sparkle as she spoke. She was the best; a die-hard Black Hawks and White Socks fan, a lover of getting in the car and driving to an unknown destination. She loved animals, sitting down for coffee, thunderstorms, and music. A total goofball and yet such an old soul, always wise behind her years, I learned so much from this woman. She was someone we all looked up to and tried to be more like. The world became a little bit darker as Heaven welcomed her on that cloudy Friday morning.

Currently my family is beside ourselves, as no one prepared for this tragedy and has little funds to help cover the costs of Sabine's funeral expenses. If you're able to give, we would all be incredibly grateful as we all worry about finances on top of grieving this immense loss.

All funds will be going to Amber Spinato, so she is able to organize a proper funeral for her beloved mother. Thank you.