Gertha Louise Sandell

Gertha Louise Sandell, age 92, of Livonia, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026, in Farmington Hills, Michigan. She was born on December 7, 1933, in Farmington, Michigan, to Clifford and Marguerite Culham.

Gertha lived a life rooted in family, faith, and community. She was united in marriage to her beloved husband, Veikko Sandell, in 1956 beginning a partnership that would span more than six decades until his passing in 2017

Her experience working as a bookkeeper, made use of her organizational skills and attention to detail. Gertha and Veikko were founding members of Emmanuel Lutheran Church (originally Sword of the Spirit) in Livonia, and both remained active and devoted members for many years.

Gertha’s life was defined by her love for family and her involvement in her children’s lives. She served as a noon recess monitor at their elementary school, a role she cherished. She also found joy in simple pleasures—bowling in numerous leagues over the years and knitting many afghans and scarves for friends and family.

Her greatest happiness came from time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She shared many treasured moments with them, including frequent visits to Greenfield Village. There, she delighted in teaching them about life in earlier times, offering both history lessons and lasting memories with train rides and frozen custard. Her competitive nature came out in playing games of cutthroat solitaire with her grandchildren. One of her most cherished family experiences was a 50th anniversary trip to Mackinac Island, where she was surrounded by the people she held most dear, her children and grandchildren.

Gertha is survived by her loving children, Alan (Karen) Sandell, Sr., and Beth Ann (Daniel) Carpenter; her grandchildren, Alan (Kat) Sandell, Jr., Lauren (Terance) Bozman, Alyssa Sandell, Jake Kapala, Danny (Bailey) Carpenter, and Jason (Elizabeth) Carpenter; and her great-grandchildren, Bane, Octavia, Zion, Moriah, Payton, Danny, and Myles. She is also survived by her sister, Ellen Kuuttila and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Marguerite Culham; her husband, Veikko Sandell; and her brother, Clifford Culham, Jr.

Gertha will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family and the warmth she brought to all who knew her. She will be deeply missed.

In accordance with Gertha’s wishes, cremation will take place. A celebration of life will be held for family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may consider contributions in Gertha’s memory to the Greenmead Historical Park in Livonia by following the steps below:

To make a gift:

· Checks may be made payable to: City of Livonia

· Mailing Address: 20501 Newburgh Road, Livonia, MI 48152 · Online Donations: https://secure.rec1.com/MI/livonia-mi/catalog Click on the green “Greenmead Historical Park” tab.

· Inquiries: (248) 477-7375

Please include the name of the individual you are honoring with your donation.