Sandra "Sandy" Graham Corte died peacefully at home on Friday March 16 at the age of 72, surrounded by loved ones. Sandy was born on June 24, 1945 in Emporia, Kansas to Marceline and Lawrence Graham. She graduated from Emporia High School in 1963. After moving to Kansas City, Sandy met and married Joseph Corte in 1964. Together, they owned and operated a beauty shop on Wornall Road. The couple soon welcomed three children into their lives. Sandy taught them the importance of family, love, and strong faith. Her numerous family members and friends will remember her as an amazing woman, full of grace who had the incredible gift to make each person she knew feel special and loved.
Once her children become teenagers she went back to work in accounting at Jural Manufacturing. Due to her love of children, Sandy later changed careers. She gained certification as a Montessori teacher and gave her passion to preschoolers. Through the years, Sandy was a generous individual who gave her time and talents to help others through her family, her church and civic groups - like her beloved P.E.O. International. She was an active, dedicated member of the Catholic Church and often volunteered with the Sisters of Saint Francis. Sandy loved traveling, nature, and sunshine.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Corte, her sister-in-law Anne Corte, sister-in-law Barbara Graham, brother-in-law Larry Jones and nephew Michael Corte. Sandy is survived by her children; Nancy (Paul) LeVota, Frank (Diane) Corte and Larry Corte, grandchildren Meghan LeVota, Madeline LeVota, Kennedy Corte and Gavin Corte, siblings Gilbert Graham. Arnold (Linda) Graham, Loretta Jones and Bruce Graham, brother Gino (Paula) Corte, brother Pete (Linda) Corte, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and friends who brought joy to her life.
All are welcome to attend and celebrate Sandy's life on Saturday March 24 at Holy Family Catholic Church 919 NE 96th St, Kansas City, MO 64155 with the Prayers of the Rosary at 9:00 am, Visitation at 9:30 am, and Memorial Service at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be sent to the American Cancer Society or the Sisters of Saint Francis. The family would like to thank the caregivers from Kansas City Hospice for their dedication. Services under the direction of White Chapel Funeral Home, Gladstone, MO.
