Sandy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Centamore Sr., their son, Patrick Centamore, and son-in-law Andrew Taylor. She is survived by her two sons, John and Chris (Allison), and two daughters, Debbie James (Thomas) and Kara Taylor (Andrew). Sandy was a proud grandmother to 16 grandchildren and a number of great-grandchildren, all of whom she adored and cherished.
Sandy attended Hartwick College, where she met her future husband, John. After they married, she began her career as an elementary school teacher in California. She paused her teaching career to raise her five children, dedicating her time and love to their upbringing. As the family migrated steadily south, Sandy worked first in Warren, PA, and then in Nashville, TN, and Mobile, AL at bookstores and children’s toy stores, where she fostered a love of reading and learning in countless children and adults.
In Mobile, Sandy returned to her first love, teaching children, as an assistant special needs teacher at Collier Elementary School. Her passion for education and her compassionate nature profoundly impacted her students and colleagues.
Sandy found joy in all she did and filled her time visiting with family and friends, preparing wonderful meals, gardening, doing crossword puzzles, playing with her pets, and taking long walks. She stayed active until the end, enjoying outdoor activities and tending her garden until she entered the hospital.
A funeral service to celebrate Sandy’s life will be held at 7:00 pm on May 31 at Radney Funeral Home at 3155 Dauphin St in Mobile, with visitation beginning at 5:00 pm.
Sandy’s warmth, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to her family and community will be deeply missed. Her legacy of love and learning will continue to inspire all who knew her.
