Sandra "Sandy" Marie Berland

Sandy was born on November 4, 1939, in Hays, Kansas, to Aloysius Boos and Beatrice (Sloan) Boos. She grew up in Hays alongside her brother, Gerald Boos, who survives her and resides in Hays.

On August 29, 1959, Sandy married the love of her life, Harlan Berland. Together, they built a beautiful life and family, raising two sons, Kevin and Russell, in Kansas and North Carolina. Sandy was a grandmother to four grandchildren and a proud great-grandmother to three great-grandchildren. Harlan preceded her in death in 2017.

A lifelong learner and passionate educator, Sandy attended Fort Hays State University before transferring and graduating from Wichita State University. She later earned her master’s degree from the University of Kansas. Sandy dedicated her professional life to teaching kindergarten and elementary school, nurturing and inspiring countless young minds until her retirement.

Sandy’s faith was central to her life. She was an active parishioner at the Church of the Nativity in Leawood, Kansas, where she participated in the prayer group and found deep community. She also gave generously of her time and talents as past president of both the Kansas City Chapter of Ladies of Charity and the Leawood Welcomers and as an active volunteer at St. Joseph's Hospital.

Sandy had a zest for life and adventure. She loved traveling throughout the United States and Europe, cherishing new experiences and cultures. She and Harlan especially loved going on cruises and considered Big Cedar in Ridgedale, Missouri, their home away from home.

She also had an amazing group of loyal and devoted friends with whom she shared lots of laughter, meals and memories. Each week she participated in numerous card games with her friends. She could often be found at Andres for lunch or tea and had a standing reservation every Friday night with friends at Bella Napoli. Also, Sandy made numerous friends among the staff and residents of Neuvant House in Lawrence, Kansas. Special thanks to the team at Neuvant who cared so dearly and took such exceptional care of Sandy with love, intelligence and much patience in the final miles of her journey.

Sandy will be remembered for her kindness, devotion to family and friends, commitment to education, and her vibrant spirit. She touched the lives of all who knew her and leaves a legacy of love, faith, and service.

She is survived by her brother, Gerald Boos; her sons, Kevin (Gina) Berland and Russell (Denise) Berland; her grandchildren, Chris (Natalie) Berland, Ellie Berland, Abbey Stone (Colby) and Jackson Berland; and her great-grandchildren, Charlee, Kate, and Lennon as well as many dear friends.

A funeral Mass and celebration of Sandy’s life will be held at the Church of the Nativity in Leawood, Kansas on Thursday, July 3rd. A Rosary will be prayed at 9:30 am and a visitation beginning at 10:00 am. The funeral Mass will begin at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Ladies of Charity – Metropolitan Kansas City or the Alzheimer’s Association.