Sandra Ann Kilbourn

Sandra “Sandy” Ann Kilbourn, age 76, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2025, following a courageous battle with breast cancer, strengthened throughout by her unwavering faith in God and deep devotion to her family. Born on May 5, 1949, in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, Sandy was the beloved daughter of Donald and Helen Kilbourn.

A proud Spartan through and through, Sandy earned both her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and her Master of Arts in Higher Education/Administration from Michigan State University. She devoted an extraordinary 52 years of service to the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine (MSUCOM), most recently serving as Executive Director of External Programs. In this role, she provided visionary leadership across alumni programs, continuing medical education, government and community relations, and communications.

Sandy’s impact on the university was profound and far-reaching. She received the MSU Excellence in Diversity Award in 2006 and earned MSU Diversity Grants annually for more than a decade. She was a co-founder of the Dr. William G. Anderson Lecture Series, Slavery to Freedom: An American Odyssey, which brought living legends of the American Civil Rights Movement to campus to share their stories and inspire generations. In recognition of her exceptional service and commitment to public good, Sandy was awarded the prestigious Patenge Medal of Public Service in 2019. Those who knew her will remember her unwavering passion for social justice, cultural competence, and creating meaningful change.

On April 19, 1986, Sandy married her best friend and love, Dr. Gary DiStefano, DDS. Together they built a life grounded in faith, family, and joy. They lovingly blended their families, each bringing two daughters of similar ages, and took great pride in celebrating their children’s graduations, marriages, and the blessing of nine grandchildren.

Sandy cherished time spent with family at their cottage on Lake Michigan and had a deep love for travel, culminating in a treasured bucket-list trip to South Africa with her entire family in 2023. She was known for her elaborate Sunday dinners, exceptional cooking, and homemade desserts that became family favorites. Above all, Sandy adored her grandchildren—celebrating their accomplishments and enthusiastically cheering on her Spartans, especially on the basketball court.

Sandy is survived by her loving husband, Gary; her daughters Morgan Hutson (Andre), Toni Thomas (David), Molly Goike (Josh), and Nicole Gold (Matt); and her cherished grandchildren Cameron and Sydney Hutson; Kingston, Kennedy, and Kobi Thomas; Drew and Connor Goike; and Wiley and Elle Gold. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Richard Kilbourn.

A celebration of Sandy’s life will be held on February 6, 2026, at 3 PM at the Michigan Osteopathic Association, 2112 University Park Dr., Okemos, MI 48864. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Sandy’s honor may be made to Child and Family Charities or to the Kilbourn/DiStefano Endowed Scholarship at the College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Sandy will be remembered for her strength, generosity, and the profound love she shared with her family and community. Her warmth, genuine care, and encouragement touched all who knew her. Her legacy lives on through the lives she inspired and the love she so freely gave. Sandy’s faith, courage, and love remain a guiding light for all who were blessed to know her.