Sandra Eileen Coffee

Sandra Eileen Coffee, 80, of Monument, Colorado, passed away on September 25, 2026. Born October 2, 1945, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Sandra’s life was marked by steadfast devotion to family, a tireless work ethic, and a spirit that welcomed both challenge and beauty with equal grace.

Sandra spent her early childhood in Fords, New Jersey, and always considered herself a Jersey Girl at heart. She was the beloved daughter of William and Anne O’Keefe, and grew up alongside her siblings Kathy, Eileen, and Mixer in a close and happy home. The family later moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, where Sandra continued to excel academically. After graduating high school, she joined the United States Air Force in 1964, and later attended The University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, graduating at the top of her class with the distinction of Magna cum laude.

Even early on, Sandra’s compassion expressed itself through service. After working as a candy striper in high school, she pursued medicine in the Air Force and served with courage and care, helping injured soldiers recover through physical therapy. It was during her military service that she met Ken, a fighter pilot who had been severely injured in a plane crash in the Gulf of Mexico. Sandra helped him through recovery, and from that difficult beginning grew a deep love that would shape the rest of her life.

Ken and Sandra were married in Tucson, Arizona, and traveled and worked in Europe before welcoming their children. Their years together included far-reaching travel and daring adventures, and later, the steady joys of building a home and raising a family. Sandra became a full-time mother to their two sons, Casey and Ryan, bringing to motherhood the same determination and generosity she brought to every part of her life. She was present in the ways that matter most—encouraging schoolwork, attending parent-teacher conferences, supporting science projects, sports, and music lessons, and ensuring her children felt not only guided, but deeply loved. Holidays were especially cherished, and Christmas held a particular place in her heart, as she delighted in surrounding her boys with affection and wonder.

As her children grew, Sandra continued to pursue her own ambitions with remarkable drive. She studied law, becoming a prominent lawyer and serving as a judge pro-tem, while continuing to place her family at the center of her world. Eventually, Sandra and Ken retired to Colorado Springs, returning to the place where their sons were born at the Air Force Academy, and later made their home in the Colorado community they loved.

Sandra’s passions were many and vividly lived. She loved the arts, travel, beautiful things, and good food, and she took genuine pleasure in good movies and television shows. She enjoyed the companionship of friends over a game of bridge and was known for hosting lavish dinner parties that reflected her warm hospitality and unmistakable sense of style. Yet, above all else, Sandra’s greatest love was her family—especially her sons and the love of her life, Ken. Her dedication extended beyond her home as well, as she cared deeply about the law and about advocating for disadvantaged children.

A breast cancer survivor, Sandra gave back with purpose and resolve, volunteering and organizing with the American Cancer Society to raise funds toward a cure. She was also active in the Red Hat Society and contributed her time and energy to local organizations through fundraising events—quietly, faithfully, and with the kind of commitment that spoke to her generous heart.

Sandra will be remembered as a devoted wife and mother whose love was steady, protective, and enduring. Those who knew her recall not only her kindness and bright smile, but also her charming wit and the ease with which she made others feel heard. She was someone people could lean on—for support, for guidance, for honest counsel offered with tenderness. Some of the happiest memories are simple ones: family trips, a Sunday drive along the coast, stopping for lunch, sharing conversation, and savoring the view—because for Sandra, the greatest joy was being together.

The family is deeply grateful for the support shown by friends, neighbors, and loved ones, and appreciates every kind thought and expression of love shared in Sandra’s memory.

A visitation will be held at Swan-Law Funeral Directors, 501 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, on October 9, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.