Sandy Lim Gordon

Known for her strength, joy, and generosity, Sandy was born on the 4th of July 1974 in Pailin, Cambodia to Linda Kim and Pheng Lim. Survivors of the Khmer Rouge regime, Sandy, her mother and siblings found a new beginning in Black Mountain, North Carolina, in September 1981, thanks to the sponsorship of a kind guardian angel, Margaret Whiteside.

Sandy's extraordinary work ethic emerged early in life when, in middle school, she began working after-school jobs in restaurants to help support her family. She attended the University of North Carolina at Asheville and went on to become a successful restaurateur, beginning modestly and on a small scale with a doughnut shop at age 19. Sandy continued to follow her passion, owning beloved sushi restaurants in Davidson, Huntersville, Mooresville, and Charlotte, NC, where she welcomed her customers, both local and those who drove distances, with her signature warmth and hospitality.

Sandy’s greatest joy and source of pride was being mother to her three children: David (24), Sarah (19), and Kalman (7). Sandy was deeply involved in her children's education - regularly volunteering, serving as classroom mom, and supporting each of her children’s school communities - through which she touched countless lives of all ages.

In 2012, Sandy was diagnosed with a brain tumor. True to her indomitable spirit, Sandy never let this health struggle define her or lessen her beautiful smile, bright outlook and zest for life. In fact, many friends were surprised to learn of her condition even years after meeting her. In 2019, Sandy and her family relocated to Houston, Texas for treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Sandy loved hosting dinner parties and setting the stage for gatherings of family and friends to spend time together. Her new Houston friends, like those in North Carolina, were captivated by her exceptional cooking and effortless hospitality. Sandy’s famous spread of Asian and American dishes always included fresh vegetables and herbs from her home garden.

Sandy consistently reached out to those in need of emotional support with deliveries of delicious food and heartfelt, caring words. Even during her final months, while under home hospice care, Sandy meticulously compiled a cookbook of her favorite recipes for each of her children and others, complete with detailed instructions and photographs, ensuring that she could continue to share her culinary gift with those she loved and their loved ones. Please visit Sandysrecipes.org to see the recipes she wanted to share.

A devoted wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend, Sandy's impact on her community was profound and far-reaching. She transformed every life she touched with her kindness, resilience, and genuine care for others. Her ability to create joy and connection through food and hospitality was unmatched, and her legacy of love and generosity will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Sandy was preceded in death by her father, Pheng Lim.

In addition to her 3 children, Sandy is survived by her husband, Louis Gordon of Houston Texas; her mother, Linda Kim of Mooresville, NC. Brothers, Charlie Lim (Hung) and Jack Lim (Larysa); sisters, Gechlai Lim (Saly), Ellen Chien (Peter), Betty Lim (Matt); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A memorial service is to be conducted at two o’clock (central standard time) or three o’clock (eastern standard time) in the afternoon on Sunday, the 26th of January, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family and share remembrances of Sandy during a reception in the adjacent grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons.

For those unable to attend the service in-person, virtual attendance may be accessed by visiting Mrs. Gordon’s online memorial tribute at GeoHLewis.com and selecting the “Join Livestream” icon on the service section. While there, you may also share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with her family by selecting the “Add a Memory” icon.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to the Sandy Gordon Memorial Fund at St. John’s School of Houston online at www.sjs.org/sandy-gordon-fund, MD Anderson Cancer Center online at https://gifts.mdanderson.org/Default.aspx?tsid=26369&intcmpid=mdaccorg_donate, or Hospice of Iredell County online at https://apps.hoic.org/donate-now.