Saundra "Sandy " Jane Pirnie

On Saturday, January 3, 2026, Saundra Jane Pirnie went home to be with her Lord. She was 90 years of age.

Saundra Jane Andersen was born to her parents Nels and Grace Andersen in Lansing, MI in March, 1935. Raised in Lansing, she attended J.W. Sexton High School where she met her future husband, David. They were assigned as dissecting partners in biology class.

Sandy attended Michigan State University, but found her calling instead as a registered nurse. She enrolled in the rigorous Bronson Methodist Hospital nursing program in Kalamazoo, MI. Graduating with her diploma in 1958, she married Marine Lieutenant David M. Pirnie and became a devoted military wife and mother. Their union lasted a blessed 66 years and Sandy travelled the country as Dave’s position called for relocation every few years.

Dave retired in 1977 and together they managed a condominium complex in Avon, CO. The next year they moved to Hemet, CA and bought the family’s solar heating business in Riverside. In addition to working there, Sandy was a founding member of the Hemet Valley Hospice where she performed several administrative functions. She also found time to work in doctor’s offices and was a long-time Red Cross volunteer.

Sandy is best remembered for her winning smile and positive outlook on life. Whether she was a family member, coworker, friend or helper, she exuded love and confidence in all those she met.

Her many interests included reading, sewing, nature, camping, and crossword puzzles. She was a wonderful cook and her family baked bean recipe is perhaps her most cherished. She and Dave enjoyed annual road trips to the California and Oregon coast where they enjoyed God’s many beautiful works of nature together.

Sandy is survived by her son Michael of McLean, VA; her daughter Mary and son-in-law Keith of Hemet, CA; her sisters-in-law Margaret of Rockingham, NC and Susan of Chelsea, MI. She was also blessed with her grandchildren Elizabeth, Steven, Erin and Catherine of Colorado and California.

Preceding her in passing are her parents Nels and Grace of Houghton Lake, MI and her brother David of Rockingham, NC. Her beloved husband David went home to the Lord in 2024.

There will be no funeral or memorial services per the request of the family. Contributions to Sandy’s memory can be made to the Visiting Nurse Association of Murrieta, CA or to Calicinto Ranch of San Jacinto, CA.