Sandra " Sandy " Vogel

Sandra “Sandy” Vogel, 65, of Millersville Maryland passed away at her home on October 21, 2026, after a nearly 20 year battle with Huntington’s disease. Born June 14, 1961 in Prince Georges County she grew up in Bowie, Maryland the daughter of Joseph Edgar “Ed” and Janice (Miller) Turco. She graduated Bowie High School in 1979. She attended college at the University of Maryland where she graduated with a BS Degree in Computer Science in 1986.

She Married Dave Vogel in 1988 in Bowie and raised two step children and one daughter. Their 38 year partnership was marked by many achievements. They raised 3 children, created and sold an Information Technology Company (Compass Information Systems) and bought and renovated two homes including the Millersville Home where she passed away. Sandy was most proud to be a mother and was the best partner anyone could have ever asked for!

She loved her family and her many friends and extended family! She was devoted mother, and accomplished technology specialist, needlepoint, sewing, and so much more. This ability to accomplish any task earned her the nick name ”Handy Sandy” because she could do anything from repairing autos to drywall to electrical work to framing, gardening and so much more!

Sandy left her mark on everyone she met and never met anyone without becoming fast friends. She extended her love of people to a love of dogs, cats, turtles, lizards and so many other animals at one point her home became an unofficial zoo. She loved the beach! Her favorites were Emeralds Isle NC and Key West Florida – although any place with water sun and a cool breeze were always welcome! She loved pelicans (her favorite bird) and Key Lime Pie (she made the best Key Lime pies ever)!

Sandy refused to let the disease she had define who she was or what she could do. She went everywhere including 36 of the 50 states and her last trip to Emeralds Isle was just two years ago. Huntington’s disease is a neurological condition that is inherited. There is no cure for it. It kills everyone who has the actual disease! Her most fervent wish was to engage everyone to help recognize the disease, support the families in the community and help cure the disease by donations and small acts of kindness! Her strength was amazing and will live on in all she touched!

Sandy is survived by her husband of 38 years David Vogel; her daughter Jessica Hetherington; her step daughter Angela Vogel; her daughter in law Nicole Vogel; her grandchildren Peter and James Hetherington, Bellina Vogel, her Grandson Nevin Davis’ Lilly Channel, ‘JR” Channel; and her brothers Steven (Doreen) Turco of Virginia and Randy (Robin) Turco of Maryland; Her Aunts Linda Miller and Wanda Miller and her many wonderful cousins who are a blessing; her sister in law Deb Vogel and Brother In law and Family Rick (Linda)Vogel. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Lt Col Rudolph (Rudy) Turco; her stepson Thomas Vogel. A celebration of her wonderful life is planned for early next year at a date to be determined. A small dedication of her life will be held on Emeralds Isle NC also in 2027 date to be determined.

The family asks in lieu of flowers that donations be considered in her memory and made to:

The Hospice of the Chesapeake www.hospicechesapeake.org

The Chesapeake Area HDSA Affiliate chesapeakebay.hdsa.org/donate

The Johns Hopkins HD Center of Excellence https://secure.jhu.edu/form/huntingtonsdisease