Sandra Lynn (Devereaux) Whitney

We are deeply saddened to share that Sandra Whitney, affectionately known as Mom, Grandma, Aunt Sandy, and the Kool-Aid Mom, passed away suddenly in her home at the age of 78 after battling significant health challenges over the last few years.

Throughout her life, Sandra was known as a beautiful person inside and out. People often remarked on her sparkling blue eyes and warm, welcoming smile. She had a heart of gold and went out of her way to help those in need. She was a woman of great faith who believed in the power of prayer and God’s purpose for her life. No matter what challenges came her way, she relied on her steadfast faith to see her through.

Sandra was born Sandra Lynn Williams at St. Mary’s Ringling Hospital in Baraboo, Wisconsin and was adopted by Bliss and Beverly Devereaux. When her adoption was finalized in 1948, the family moved to Pasadena, CA before establishing roots in South Gate. Sandra attended St. Helen Catholic Elementary School and South Gate High School, where she met the love of her life, Bud Whitney. They were married in 1965 and resided in South Gate until they moved to Fresno, CA in the summer of 1973.

Her courage was tested many times during her life, but the challenges she faced drew her closer to God, strengthening her faith and her resolve. Moving to Fresno meant leaving behind her parents and two younger brothers, her dearly loved mother-in-law and extended Whitney family, and many lifetime friends. Starting over in a new place was heart wrenching for her, but she made Fresno her home, and she opened her heart and home to neighbors, new friends, and every childhood friend and stray animal her kids brought home.

She welcomed everyone and enjoyed being the “Kool-Aid Mom”— the mom whose house became a home for anyone who wandered in, needed a place to stay, or just wanted one of her famous “Mom hugs.” Kids and adults alike gravitated to Mom’s kitchen, living room, front porch, and backyard, knowing they could count on her encouraging words; enjoy one of her home-made popsicles; listen to her gentle, heartfelt advice without judgment; be welcomed with open arms to an extra plate at her table; and always have a safe place to simply be themselves. Mom’s uncomplicated kindness and quiet generosity made her home a refuge for so many.

She worked tirelessly to cook, clean, and care for her family while maintaining steady jobs babysitting, ironing, and sewing for others in her younger years. She was a magician with a sewing machine, maneuvering her flying fingers and fabric around the needle with amazing speed and skill. She could mend by hand anything that couldn’t or shouldn’t be done on her old Singer, and she could remove the stains from just about anything with a bar of Fels-Naptha. She and her older girls would clean the house together on Saturday mornings as she played her favorite stack of 45s on the record player. She often looked back on that Golden Age of music with a nostalgia for the “good ol’ days” when life was simpler. Her schedule was always hectic with five kids and their overlapping schedules, but as long as she had a good cup of coffee and 45 minutes to herself to start her day, she believed that she and God could handle anything together.

She demonstrated amazing courage when she ventured out into the workforce as a single Mom in her forties. She took specialized courses to apply for a job with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Department where she would serve in both the Warrants and Records Department and Special Investigations Division during her 25-year career. Many of the detectives, deputies, and other coworkers affectionately referred to her as “the Google Queen,” praising her analytical mind, attention to detail, and ability to use available databases and specialized search-engine queries to piece together information and find answers that no one else could find.

She loved helping people and listening to their stories. She had an uncanny instinct for recognizing when someone needed a hug or helping hand, and she always took the time to ask if everything was ok and if there was anything she could do to help. Even beyond her life, she continues to help people. She gave the gift of sight to two people through the donation of her corneas and the gift of life to multiple burn victims with the donation of skin grafts.

More than anything, she loved being a mom, a grandma, and a great grandma. When she retired, her primary goal was to spend more time with her children and grandchildren. She always had a passion for puzzles, pajama days, long drives, deep conversations, spending time outdoors, fresh flowers, homemade ice cream, good books, classic cars, flavorful food, and meaningful music. She was a gifted dancer and enjoyed singing, watching old movies on rainy days, and playing on the floor with her grandkids.

She consistently reminded us that life is a precious gift, both fragile and sacred. We certainly feel the value of her reminder as we celebrate her legacy of love and mourn our loss. She is deeply missed by all who loved her.

Sandra is survived by her five children: Michelle, Angela, Suzette, Patricia, and Louis IV; her 10 grandchildren: Noah, Louis V, Cole, Jesse, Emma, Lauren, Avery, Greysen, Rye, and Hudson; her great grandson, Louis VI; her sister-in-law Sally; and many dearly loved nieces and nephews.

In celebration of Sandra’s life, a Catholic Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, February 26th, at The Shrine of St. Therese, 855 E Floradora Ave, Fresno, CA 93728.

In lieu of flowers, please consider any of the following to honor Sandra’s legacy of helping others by donating blood or becoming an organ donor. Or donate to one of Sandra’s favorite charities, which include St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Salesian Missions, St. Labre Indian School, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Veteran Support Organizations, Direct Relief, Animal Rescue of Fresno, or The Cat House on the Kings.