Sandra Jo Powell

2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

To know Sandy was to know unwavering love, quiet strength, and a heart that always put others

before herself. She was the kind of person who made everyone feel welcome, offered comfort

during difficult times, and found her greatest joy in caring for the people she loved. Family was

at the center of her life, and she devoted herself wholeheartedly to those closest to her.

Born in Saugus, California, and raised in El Paso, Texas, Sandy attended Magoffin Elementary

and Middle School and Irvin High School. As the daughter of a military family, she also spent

part of her youth in Germany, graduating from Wiesbaden High School with the Class of 1980

before continuing her education at the University of Texas at El Paso. Those experiences helped

shape the resilient, compassionate, and thoughtful woman who would touch so many lives.

Sandy dedicated her career to serving others. She worked as a Records Clerk and previously

served with Child Youth Services. Throughout her career, she was known for her commitment,

professionalism, and exceptional work ethic. She took great pride in serving both her coworkers

and the military community, including assisting with the return of troops from deployment—a

responsibility she carried with great care, compassion, and pride.

Her outstanding service was recognized through numerous honors and awards, including the

Civilian Service Achievement Medal, the SITREP Employee Award, multiple Commander's

Coins, Peer of the Year recognition, several Peer of the Quarter Awards, and 30- and 35-Year

Length of Service Awards. While she deeply valued her career and the opportunity it gave her to

help others, she found her greatest fulfillment in caring for her family and supporting those she

loved.

Outside of work, Sandy enjoyed baseball, reading, journaling, scrapbooking, exercising,

shopping, and spending time with friends through her bowling league. Yet nothing brought her

more happiness than being surrounded by her family. She especially cherished her role as

"Grandma," creating memories with her grandchildren, celebrating every milestone, big or small,

and showering each of them with unconditional love.

For many years, Christmas Eve at Sandy's home was more than a holiday tradition—it was a

reflection of who she was. She loved bringing family together, filling her home with warmth,

laughter, and love. Those gatherings created memories that her family will treasure forever and

embodied the way she lived her life: making sure everyone felt welcomed, cared for, and loved.

Sandy will be remembered for her compassion, wisdom, resilience, and unwavering faith.

Through life's challenges, she remained a source of strength and encouragement for others.

Whenever someone was struggling, she often reminded them that there was always hope. It was

a phrase she lived by and one that reflected her outlook on life. Even in difficult times, Sandy

believed in looking forward with faith, grace, and optimism.

She is survived by her beloved husband, William McMaster of Fountain, Colorado; her sons,

Matthew (Korina) Powell and Dylan (Alexus) Powell, both of Fountain, Colorado; her stepson,

Ryan (Cassie) McMaster; her mother, Candelaria Ortega Sanchez of El Paso, Texas; her

cherished grandchildren, Illyana Adeliza (15), Carter Edward (10), Nikolai Crescencio (7), Noah

Bryant (5), Natalia Anahi (3), Declan Matthew (11), Norah Jean (9), and Theodore William (5);

her sister, Patricia (Stacy) of El Paso, Texas; her brother, Gilbert (Laura) of Harker Heights,

Texas; and her nieces, Isabelle and Sara Sanchez.

She was preceded in death by her father, Gilbert Sanchez.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all relatives, friends, and coworkers whose love,

prayers, support, and kindness have brought comfort during this difficult time. Though our hearts

are saddened by her passing, we take comfort in the countless memories she leaves behind and

the love she shared so freely. Her legacy lives on through her family, her grandchildren, and all

those whose lives were made brighter by knowing her.

Sandy often said, "This too will pass," and reminded those she loved that "there's always hope."

May we carry those words with us, just as we carry her love in our hearts.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.