Sandra Jean Merrick

Sandra Jean Merrick was born April 21, 1928 in Portland, Oregon to parents William Clarence and Amy (Peterson) Foster. Sandra was raised in the Milwaukie, Oak Grove area. After graduating from high school she attended the University of Oregon for two years and then the next two years she attended and graduated from Lewis and Clark College. After college, Sandra married Albert Combs and they moved to Seattle as Albert’s job was there. They then had their first child, Daniel in March 1950, followed by Jonathan in May 1952. Al was transferred back to Portland and they built a house on Filbert Street in Cedar Mill, third son Robert was born in October 1954. Sandra and Al later divorced, this lead Sandra back to nursing school and she graduated in 1964. Sandra did most of her nursing tenure at Physicians and Surgeons Hospital in Portland until her retirement in July 1987. Sandra met George Merrick – The Love of her Life- and they married in June 1966. During their time together they traveled to Victoria B.C. They also spent much time at the cabin they built at Neahkahnie on the Oregon Coast. Sandra was an avid gardener; she also enjoyed taking pictures and she loved to bake. Sandra was the caretaker in the family, she took care of her Aunt, then her Mother and then George for many years when he became disabled, she never complained. She lost George in September 2002. After his death she continued to work in her beautiful yard and garden which she loved. Sandra moved to The Springs in 2010 and was there until 2011, when she moved to Clare Bridge in Beaverton. During this time she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s but she never lost her positive attitude and sense of humor. Sandra was loved by the Clare Bridge staff and also loved by her wonderful hospice staff. True to her character, she rarely complained. Sandra is survived by her three sons; Daniel, Jonathan, Robert and Step-daughter Joanne Johnson, along with her 4 cousins; Mike Lawlor and Steve Lawlor both of California; Greg Alford of New Zealand; Bruce Alford and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.