Sandra May Patterson

Sandra (Sandy) May Patterson passed away peacefully on August 5, 2024 after living a long and abundant life. Sandy was born in Bakersfield, California on January 29, 1938 to John and Ruby (Hight) Bollman. The family later moved to Barstow, California and opened an A&W Root Beer Stand, where Sandy and her late sister, Renee, spent many evenings car hopping. They loved living in a small town and were quite popular with the boys.

Sandy earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education at California State University of Los Angeles in 1962 and a Master’s Degree in School Counseling at UNLV in 1979. She taught elementary school in California for a few years before setting her sights on Las Vegas, Nevada. With her three children in tow Sandy built a wonderful life in Las Vegas. She taught Honors English at William Orr Jr High and was an esteemed counselor at Green Valley High School. During this time Sandy was a single mother working two jobs to make ends meet, always teaching her children the importance of hard work and education.

In 1980, Sandy married the love of her life, Bill Patterson. With Bill as her partner life became easier. Sandy and Bill were known for their epic Super Bowl parties that went late into the night and never disappointed. During this phase of life, Sandy enjoyed traveling with friends and family. Some of her favorite trips were to Russia, Paris, London, and Ireland.

When Sandy finally retired she dedicated her life to her grandchildren, even buying a van to accommodate them. During the summer Sandy and her sister, Renee, bravely took all of the grandchildren (7) to Utah for summer fun: fishing, hiking, swimming, and fort building.

Sandy spent her days hustling grandchildren to numerous after school activities; taekwondo, dance, soccer, gymnastics, lacrosse and then to dinner, of course. She referred to this time as the best years of her life. Sandy loved her grandchildren beyond measure.

Sandy enjoyed and supported the Arts and was a Smith Center season ticket holder for many years. Sunday afternoons were spent enjoying musical theater. Some of her favorites were: Tina Turner - The Musical, Hamilton, and The Book of Mormon. Sandy was extremely generous and charitable. Some of her favorite causes were animal charities, PBS, food banks and anyone on a street corner who looked in need. She was also a big tipper. Dogs were a huge part of Sandy’s life, rescuing many throughout her years, focusing on unwanted and senior dogs.

Sandy is forever loved and missed by her three children and their spouses: Kim and Bob, Eric and Christy, Diane and Rob, and step son’s Ryky and Steven. Adored by her grandchildren David, Daniel, Brendan, Paige, Erica, Kelly and great grandchildren Zackery and Simon. Fondly remembered by her nieces and nephews Jim, Lezlie, Liza, Susan, and John, and her dear friends Cathy and John.

A memorial service for Sandra will be held Friday, September 6, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Palm Mortuary - Eastern, 7600 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89123.