Sandra Elyse Awad

Sandra “Sandy” Awad of Charlottesville, Virginia, passed away on March 4, 2026. She was a devoted mother, wife, grandmother, and friend whose kindness, generosity, and love for animals touched the lives of many.

She is survived by her husband, Elias; her three children, Michael (Casey), Bruce (Brad), and Brenda; her four grandchildren, Alexandra, Tyler, Nathan, and Connor; and her beloved dogs, Pablo, Dexter, and Rocky, and cats, Ella, Jasmine, Sara, Fernando, and Carissa.

Sandy was known for her warm spirit and her remarkable ability to turn strangers into friends. She was generous with both her time and her resources, always ready to listen, offer support, or lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Friends and family could call her day or night and know they would find a compassionate voice and a willing heart. She was also an active and devoted mother and grandmother who was always eager to be part of her family’s lives and activities. Her smile lit up a room, and her genuine love was unforgettable.

Sandy was an animal lover who spent her life caring for the many creatures and special beings around her. From wild animals outside to the numerous dogs, cats, birds, and fish she welcomed into her home over the years, her compassion knew no bounds. She devoted countless hours to learning about animal care and behavior and spared no effort in ensuring the well-being of the animals she loved. Whether helping a pet in need or sharing advice with friends, Sandy’s dedication to animals was evident to everyone who knew her.

She was also a lifelong learner who loved attending educational classes at OLLI. She pursued courses on a wide range of subjects, from history and languages to her admiration for the legendary racehorse Secretariat. She enjoyed staying active and participating in classes at her local club, ACAC, where she built lasting friendships and embraced a healthy lifestyle.

Those who knew Sandy will remember her for her spirited conversations, her strong convictions, and the joy she found in simple pleasures, especially friendly games of Scrabble, Sorry or Yahtzee that often stretched late into the night with laughter, spirited competition, and the occasional triumphant “Yahtzee!” shouted into the quiet of the early morning hours.

Above all, Sandy believed deeply in kindness, compassion, and acceptance. Her children grew up seeing all of God’s beauty because of a mother who loved everything from His creations to His creatures.

A gathering to celebrate Sandy’s life will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at her farm, 3015 Old Lynchburg Road, North Garden, Virginia. The family welcomes guests to join them in honoring her life and the many passions she held dear.

A second memorial will be held at a later date near her birthplace in Chicago, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to OLLI of Charlottesville, the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA (CASPCA), or Smiles Forever Animal Rescue.