Saundra Ann Saboley

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Saundra “Sandy” Ann Saboley on February 14, 2025, at the age of 81. She succumbed to small cell lung cancer at Kobacker House inpatient hospice center in Columbus, Ohio.

Sandy was born on April 11, 1943, in St. Clairsville, Ohio, to the late Edward and Helen Josephine (Schlatt) Saboley, and was preceded in death by her brothers, Edward Terrance and Ronald Saboley and her niece, Caulette. She is survived by her daughter, Liesl and her husband of 17 years, Xan; her sister, Sharon and her husband Henry; her nephews—Edward Terrance, Ronald, David, Dan, Mark, Eric, Andy, and Jim; her niece, Monique; and several loving nieces-in-law, a nephew-in-law, great-nephews, great-nieces, and cousins.

Family was always at the heart of Sandy’s life. One of her greatest joys was adopting her daughter, Liesl, in 1977. She cherished every moment with her daughter and took great pride in being a beloved aunt to her nephews and nieces. Sandy will be remembered as a kind and caring person who was always there for her loved ones.

Growing up in the small town of Fairpoint in eastern Appalachian Ohio as the daughter of a coal miner and first-generation immigrants from Central Europe, Sandy’s early life was steeped in hard work and tradition. Her mother raised chickens, farmed, and canned their own vegetables. One memorable year, they raised a lamb that Sandy named Bessie, who quickly became her best friend. But everything changed one night at dinner when Sandy asked what they were eating, and her mother gently admitted it was Bessie. From that moment on, Sandy swore off lamb for the rest of her life.

Sandy’s nurturing nature was evident from an early age. While still a student at Fairpoint Grade School, her teacher, Mrs. Copland—alarmed by the sight of blood—asked her to tend to a fellow student’s wound. Without hesitation, Sandy stepped in, and from that moment, she began to see herself as a nurse—a role she would carry throughout life. Though she initially approached nursing school without much enthusiasm, her passion for caregiving grew over time.

Sandy received her School of Nursing Diploma from Ohio Valley General Hospital in Wheeling, West Virginia in 1964. She went on to work as an R.N. and nurse manager in cities including Dayton, Columbus, Philadelphia, and St. Louis. The proudest accomplishment of her career was serving as a regional nursing coordinator for the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, helping injured workers reclaim their lives and return to their communities as contributing members of society.

Her love for family extended to preserving its history. Sandy spent countless hours researching her family tree and documenting the stories of her ancestors. She even compiled a genealogy for her adopted daughter, demonstrating her deep commitment to family legacy.

Gardening provided Sandy with both solace and pride. The gardens at her home in Worthington reflect the dedication and skill she invested over countless hours. Her green thumb was evident in the magnolia and crepe myrtle trees in her backyard—trees that typically thrive only in warmer climates, yet flourished under her care.

A lifelong animal lover, Sandy always found comfort in the companionship of pets. About two years ago, after losing her dog to old age, the silence of her home prompted her to search for a new friend. At six years old, Bernie, a cute white Bichon Frise, came into her life, and they bonded instantly. He never left her side—snuggling close while she slept and patiently waiting for her to wake up before going outside.

When Sandy entered Kobacker House during her final few weeks of life, Bernie visited daily, bringing comfort not only to her but to everyone he encountered. On the day Sandy passed, Liesl brought Bernie in to lay with her in a final, tender farewell. Over the past year, Sandy’s neighbors had grown close to Bernie, caring for him during her frequent hospital stays. Thankfully, Bernie will now go to a loving home with them.

Sandy’s one-of-a-kind spirit shone through in everything she did—whether tending her garden, uncovering her family history, or serving as a dedicated nurse and mentor. Although her loss is deeply felt, we are grateful for the many treasured memories she leaves behind.

The family will receive friends from 4–7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 26, at Schoedinger Worthington, 6699 North High Street. A funeral service celebrating Sandy’s life will be held on Friday, February 28, at 10 a.m. at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 5750 N High Street in Worthington, with burial to follow at Union Cemetery, 211 Maple Ave in St. Clairsville, Ohio, where she will be laid to rest next to her parents and grandmother. Burial will take place at 2 p.m.