Honor Sandra O'Brien-Bump's Legacy in Education

O'Brien-Bump Memorial Fund

To honor the legacy of my mother, Sandra O'Brien Bump, we are establishing an O’Brien-Bump Memorial Fund to support and advance education impact on students benefiting from speech pathology and audiology services in Morton and the surrounding communities. Sandra Kay O’Brien Bump lived a life of purpose, love, and unwavering dedication. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered. Your contributions to this fund will provide a pathway to continue her legacy of dedication to the educational development of young people.

________________________________________

A Life of Dedication and Impact

Sandra was a pioneering educator with a deep passion for helping young people develop their speech and communication skills. In 1959, she became the first special education teacher hired by the Morton School District, beginning her career as a speech correctionalist specializing in preschool through sixth grade. Just a year later, the Illinois State Board of Education recognized her as an “Outstanding Young Teacher of Speech.”

Her career spanned an incredible 58 years in the Morton Schools with 50 of those in full-time service. She primarily worked at Grundy Elementary while also serving students at Jefferson Elementary, Bethel Lutheran, and Blessed Sacrament. Sandra played a vital role in helping Bradley University and Illinois State University establish speech programs and was a co-founder and charter member of the Peoria Area Speech-Language Hearing Association in 1960. A lifelong learner, Sandra returned to college at the age of 60, earning her master’s degree from St. Xavier University—a testament to her dedication to education and personal growth.

________________________________________

A Life Well Lived

Proud of her Irish heritage, Sandra embodied the strength and resilience of the O’Brien family. Her legacy of service and courage can be traced back to her grandfather, David W. O’Brien, who was shot and killed in the line of duty while protecting the Canton, Illinois, police chief from a “malignant and vicious desperado,” John Nicodemus. Despite being fatally wounded, her grandfather fired a final shot that saved the police chief’s life. The tragedy of his death profoundly shaped the lives of his three orphaned children, as their mother had passed away years earlier during the flu epidemic. The Canton Police Department later honored his bravery by dedicating their building as the David W. O’Brien Law Enforcement Center—a ceremony Sandra was proud to attend alongside her father, Frank David O’Brien.

________________________________________

A Celebration of Life

Sandra passed away just as preparations had begun for her 88th birthday. She always celebrated with an Irish theme, embracing her O’Brien heritage. In her honor, the family will host a celebration of her life on Friday, March 14th, from 2-4pm, at Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home in Morton, Illinois. This casual gathering will reflect Sandra’s love for her favorite holiday and feature a “wearing of the green” St. Patrick’s Day theme. Friends and family are invited to share stories and celebrate a life devoted to service, education, and joy.

________________________________________

Honoring Her Legacy

Gifts in Sandra's memory will continue her education impact on students living in Morton and the surrounding areas by providing educators with classroom supplies and/or continuing education events held by the Peoria Area Speech-Language Hearing Association. To continue Sandra’s legacy even further, a 501c3 O’Brien-Bump Memorial Fund is being investigated for further benefit to educators working in the fields of speech pathology and audiology. Those contributing to the initial fund associated with her memorial service will be provided an update on how funds are distributed. Sandra Kay O’Brien Bump lived a life of purpose, love, and unwavering dedication. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered.