My sincere sympathy to Pete, Kelli and Shannon. Sandi was special. She was one of a kind. She touched many lives through her many years of service in our schools. Her memory will live on forever.

I am so sorry to not be able to make it to be with you all today. My prayers and heart have been with you, and are constantly with you today. We love you all very much.

Sandi is the only one who ever called me "Rach"- I never liked that except when she said it. Guess she could've picked a worse nickname for me! LOL
I loved going to Kelli's house on Saturdays to hand out- I thought it was so cool that she had cable & was allowed to watch MTV (when MTV actually had videos). Sandi would always treat me like one of her own. If I needed smacking she didn't hesitate. 
Sandi used to yell at me when I would take her beloved Chelsea and pick her up & then hold her over the empty sink- Chelsea would SWIM! and I thought it was a blast. Sandi would say how cruel I was but she knew I would never hurt her babies.
I also can see your mom sitting in the dark playing Donkey Kong and getting to level like 50! My parents didn't know how to turn the VCR on much less a Nintendo.
(Sorry Kel)- I laugh when I think of traveling to Laughlin with the family & Kelli was puking on the rolling hilly road and Sandi turns around and expects me to do what??? Catch the vommit? Yes- Rach- hold this bucket for her!!!!! 
That is when you know you are truly a part of the family! 
Take care of all our pups in Heaven Sandi! Spoil them rotten! XOXO

I miss you, mom. I figured you would be upset with me if I didn't say something to you on here. The only words I can come up with right now though are "I miss you"

Sandi you will be missed by so many. You were always there for me at MSMS. I still remember the first time I saw your tattoo I was surprised and teased you about it and you just gave me that look! Heaven has gained an amazing angel, R.I.P Sandi

Sandi,,,,I met you a few times.. but I am very good friends with you Daughter, and in her I could see strength, giving spirit, kindness,humor and humbleness.. I am blessed and thankful to call her my friend, therefore you will always have my gratitude for creating such a special person. Say Hi To Sam for me.. God Bless!!

To Mom
Mom....
I really don't know what to write. Its Sunday the 4th - Dad and kelli have been staying with me since weds and everyone just left - granted we all may be back here come nightfall - but right now my thoughts are of you.
I have no idea if I will have the strength to stand and tell you this when the time comes. I am actually angry at myself for thinking that way because I know you could and would. You are the strongest woman that I have ever known.
I assume once I start typing - I will have a mini novel of all of our stories - Kelli will need to spell check it for me.
I can tell you that I will never feel that I didn't spend enough quality time with you. We did everything together. I remember watching a tv talk show with you one afternoon- it was A mother talking about her daughter and saying her daughter was her best friend. We laughed and you said she needs to be a mother and not a friend - then we looked at each other, knowing darn well that you could be both - because we are.
Most of my stories sitting around the break table at work, revolved around an 'adventure' the family shared. Whether it be the flood in riverside, the flat tire on the way home from Vegas, the EMUs that tried to attack you in the driveway - or the word QUEB.
You taught me so much - although cooking wasn't one of them. You and dad installed a work ethic, morals, how to be respectful and to stand on my own. I use to think you both were too strict - but I look back and those ethics were what made me who I am today.
I honestly never considered not having you in my life physically. You have had many trying medical times - things that make me shake my head and wonder how you stayed positive and kept going. Each time you pulled thru like a trooper although Dad Kelli and I know it was never easy for you to endure.
Over the last few years we have seen history begin to take its toll. We were all in denial. You always were so strong (or at least a great front) - I just knew that this phase would pass. As you pushed on - another road block would appear. I don't know why...there were just so many and so close together. You continued to work on putting on a firm upper lip and you did it for us.
As the last few years rolled in, the physical mom I knew was disappearing, but at the same time - Dad began to fill those gaps that you could no longer fill. The love you both have for each other allowed you to now begin to lean on him. YOU helped to make the family bond tighter - I want you to know that your final gift to Kelli and I was a new found bond with our dad. Dad has always been there for us. Supportive and helpful and full of love - but now it is so much more. Thank you for this.


I love you mom with all of my heart - I will miss you more than any words I can find ( and I own a new thesaurus). I have a feeling I will alter this letter as the days go on...and I want so badly not to read it anytime soon. Maybe I'm hoping this will be like not washing the car - to keep the rain away.
This is therapeutic right now...because I have missed talking to you so much. But to see you suffering, I am being selfish for wanting you to hold on.
You are with Grams and Grandpa now... probably fishing and playing with Chelsie and Max. Do me a favor and rub Sams chest and tell him his a good little man... he loves that.
I will talk to you all the time - I know you are with me - well, unless Kelli has your attention. Don't worry about dad. He promised to go to the doctor. He even had to run to the house when he was staying with me so he could get his vitamins... you taught him well.
We will be fine, I promise you. This is not a good bye letter at all - it's an "All is good and I will see you again"
I love you

Sandi was a wonderful person. I think of her quick witted humor. She always had an opinion and was very off the cuff. She was a great lady and I am glad I knew her. She will be greatly missed!

Thinking of Sandi always brings a smile to my face. She loved working for Nuview School District. She started working for the district in October 1979 and didn't retire until 2009, thirty years of devotion! She touched the lives of thousands of students, staff, teachers and parents.

What Sandi loved more than Nuview was her family! Joe, Shannon and Kelli were her heart and soul. I also can't forget her love for her mini doxies. The first time a saw a ramp for dogs from the floor to the couch was at Sandi's house.

Sandi was proud and fearless, the way she lived her life was a testament to that.

(I knew about the Peter Pan tattoo on her shoulder. I remember when she got it.)

I will never forget your kindness. You were always supportive of all the teachers at MSMS.

Sandy was such an awesome lady. Full of life even when she was so sick and going through so much. She was a great mom and raised two awesome ladies! Sandy, you will be missed. This is not the end so see you later xo

Sandy was like a 2nd mother to me as I was growing up. She was a wonderful woman and a good mother. She loved her husband and kids and would do anything to make them happy. She will forever be missed and remembered. I love you, Sandy. May you rest in peace. Xoxo

OBITUARY

Sandra J. McNeil

March 27, 1947 – August 8, 2013

Miller Jones Mortuary and Crematory

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services