Sandra Lee Howison

Sandra “Sandy” Lee Howison (Gray), 79, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away peacefully on December 4, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on May 3, 1946, in Hamilton, Ohio, Sandy was a bright, joyful presence from the moment you met her - cute, funny, kind, loyal, and endlessly loving.

Sandy adored her dogs throughout her life, from her Cocker Spaniels and King Charles Cavalier Spaniels to her beloved Max, a Coton de Tulear who rarely left her side. She had a talent for creating beautiful cross-stitch pieces, could complete word searches by the stack, and never turned down a good game of dominoes. She also loved watching the many animal/veterinarian shows on TV that many of her family found “icky,” but she delighted in every minute of them. Living in Florida where the sun was almost always out and the beach never far away brought great happiness to her life.

While raising her family, Sandy worked part-time in retail before proudly earning her RN degree in the late 1980s. She went on to serve as an orthopedic nurse in Illinois, where she lived for more than 30 years. She treasured her trips to Bermuda and spoke of them often. Sandy loved her family and always enjoyed time spent together. There were many memorable adventures to and from Ohio over the years. Above all, her greatest joy in life was her grandchildren—J.D. Fuller (Sarah Harris-Kober) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and her beloved granddaughter Hope Fuller, who preceded her in death in 2010.

Sandy is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, Doug; her daughters Deb (Jay) Fuller, Wonder Lake, Illinois and Jodie (Rob) Murphy, Cape Coral, Florida; her sister Tracey Gray Yarger North Ft Myers, Florida; and her brother John Gray, Manchester, Missouri. She will also be deeply missed by Kim Andryc and Jason Howison, extended family and friends.

Sandy received compassionate care through Hope Hospice in Cape Coral prior to her passing and her family is grateful for the kindness shown to her.

An open house celebrating Sandy will be held on February 7th from 1 - 3pm at 2425 Harden Boulevard at the Beacon Terrace Club House. All who knew and loved Sandy are welcome to attend and share memories. Please wear your favorite “beach” colors/clothes! In lieu of flowers consider a donation in Sandy’s honor to The Cure Starts Now 10280 Chester Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45215. You can also donate online at https://p2p.thecurestartsnow.org/810.