Sandra Catherine Smith's Obituary
Sandra “Sandy” Catherine Neff Smith, born on May 29, 1942, in Decatur, Illinois, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2024, in Cocoa, Florida.
Sandy was the first of five daughters born to Archie and Jacqueline Finley Neff, both of whom preceded her in death. During her formative years Sandy attended St. Patrick’s Catholic School and then graduated from St. Teresa High School in Decatur in 1960 and pursued her passion for healthcare by attending Holy Cross School of Nursing in South Bend, Indiana. In 1962, she graduated as valedictorian from Gradwohl Laboratory Technician School in St. Louis, Missouri.
In 1962, Sandy moved to Lansing Michigan, where she built a life filled with love and adventure. On August 29, 1978, she married Michael A. Smith, her devoted husband of over 46 years. Together, they embraced the joys of being “snowbirds”, spending winters in Cocoa, Florida and summers in Charlevoix, Michigan.
Sandy had a zest for life and a love for exploration. In her younger years, she enjoyed skiing Michigan’s snowy slopes, with her friends from the Mug and Jug Ski Club and then sailing the tranquil Michigan lakes during the summer. Later in life, she and Mike traveled the world on cruise ships and planes, creating treasured memories and sharing stories of their adventures with loved ones. Sandy also had a passion for art and flowers –especially orchids—and found fulfillment in tracing her and Mike’s family ‘s history through genealogy.
She is survived by her loving husband Mike, her three sisters, Roberta Bland, Deborah (Tony) Clark and Pamela Rife; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Linda O’Dell, her in-laws, a sister-in-law, several brothers-in-law, a niece and a nephew. Sandy also leaves behind her loyal feline companion and heat-o-lator, Pyewacket.
Sandy’s warmth and vibrant spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her. May her memory bring comfort to those she touched.
There will be a gathering of family and friends for a Memorial Service at Moran and Gobel Funeral Home, Decatur, IL, on Tuesday May 27, 2025, at 11:00 with the service at 12:00. Burial will follow in Boiling Springs Cemetery.
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