Sandra was born and raised in Lynchburg, Virginia. She was a 1960 graduate of Holy Cross Academy and attended Phillips Business College. Following her marriage, she lived in North Carolina shortly before moving to Tennessee in 1972. She was widowed at a young age and dedicated herself to raising three children as a single mother. She was the breadwinner, chef, and chauffeur for the family for the next 12 years. Any given week would find her supporting her kids during a multitude of CCD classes, band practices, scout meetings, wrestling matches, and whatever other fires needed to be put out that week. There is no doubt that her children were always her top priority!
She enjoyed traveling and spending time with her cousin, Bitsy, in locations as varied as New York City and Gatlinburg, Tennessee. She was blessed with the opportunity to visit some of the highlights of Europe on different trips, visiting London, Rome (including an audience with Pope John Paul II), Venice, and Heidelberg, as well as Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.
Later in life, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. Dance recitals and competitions, horse shows, basketball, soccer, and volleyball games, Sandra didn’t let her high school cheerleading talent go idle. She was an eager companion on beach vacations, mountain getaways, Spring Break trips, trips to the mall to visit the pet store, and her favorite, going to lunch or dinner.
Sandra was also an avid card sender. Her love was felt year -round through the countless cards she sent for every occasion, and many of us will forever smile and think of her when passing by the Hallmark aisle, reminded of her thoughtful spirit.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Terry Keesee, parents, Lorenzo Leo Zechini, Jr. and Madeline Riley Zechini, siblings James Leo (Jimi) Zechini and Madeline Cheryl Zechini. Sandra is survived by her children, Dana Keesee Adkins (Terry) of Knoxville, TN, COL (Retired) Stephen Michael Keesee (Silvia) of Schwedelbach, Germany, and Gregory Shawn Keesee of Okemos, Michigan; her beloved grandchildren, Caitlin Adkins Douglas (Adam), Sarah Adkins Knox (Ken), Emily Karen Adkins (fiancé Cody Byron), Nolan Richard Keesee, Leah Isabella Keesee, Caroline Amelia Keesee, and Zoe Chiara Keesee; her precious great-grandchildren, Hudson John Knox, Jackson Hayes Douglas, and Mary Collins Douglas; her siblings Richard Riley Zechini (Margaret), Theresa Zechini Ogden (Michael), and Esther Karen Zechini; her cousin Montez (Bitsy) Reynolds (Vernon), and many other cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 26, at 11:00 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Lynchburg, VA followed by the Mass of Christian Burial.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to her favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the Lynchburg Humane Society, 1211 Old Graves Mill Rd., Lynchburg, VA 24502.
