Sandy S Vrijenhoek

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of more than 55 years, Jacob “Jake” Vrijenhoek, her grandson Robert Michael Davidson and her siblings Hiroshi Higa, Kimi Higa, Haru Higa and Toyoko Higa.

She is survived by her younger brother, Isao Higa, who resides in Okinawa, Japan.

Sandy leaves behind her three loving daughters: Donna (Vrijenhoek) Davidson, Connie (Vrijenhoek) Webb, and Sandra (Vrijenhoek) Pearsall. She was a proud and deeply cherished grandmother to Joey Pearsall, Chad Pearsall, Dustin Webb, Sara (Pearsall) Teutsch, Danielle (Davidson) Lipovich, and Andrew “Drew” Webb. Her legacy continues through her adored great-grandchildren: Avery Teutsch, Corbin Teutsch, Skylar Teutsch, Travis Pearsall, Cooper Pearsall and Oliver Lipovich.

Grandma “Sandy” was many things to so many people, but she was deeply loved by everyone who came to know her. Charismatic and full of life, she was a gifted storyteller who loved sharing tales of her childhood in Okinawa, her world travels, and the charming story of how she met and fell in love with Jake, or maybe more accurately how Jake immediately fell in love with her — a story that was as entertaining as it was heartfelt every time she and Jake would share it with us. As the devoted wife of a U.S. Air Force member and Vietnam veteran, she embraced the constant change of military life with strength and grace, building lasting friendships everywhere she went and raising three remarkable daughters along the way. Each of her daughters have inherited some of these remarkable traits of strength, resilience and courage as well as a deep love for family and have raised their own children to do the same, thanks to her.

She was also an extraordinary chef, keeping traditional Japanese recipes alive through generations by sharing them with friends and family. Her meals were the centerpiece of every holiday gathering, with loved ones crowding into the kitchen just to watch her cook. Outside the kitchen, she found joy in her flowers — whether planting them in her yard or thoughtfully arranging them in a vase, she spent more time than most would, determined to make them perfect. Sandy loved to travel and explore, but she also treasured the quiet beauty of long walks through her neighborhood, on nature trails, or along the ocean collecting seashells. She had a deep appreciation for God's handiwork and would often pause to marvel aloud at the beauty of a sunrise or sunset, gently inviting everyone around her to stop and take it in with her.

And finally, her incredible life journey through this chaotic world often compelled her to share her wisdom with each young family member at some point or even those who just happen to be in her company at the moment. She would pull them aside and look them in the eye and impart her sage advice to both young men and women, and they listened very carefully! For the girls it might be things like “Don’t get married too soon, see the world” or reminding them how capable they are. For young men and women it was often a reminder to work hard, be respectful, and remember and be thankful to your parents; you owe them!” And for some reason they (we) all listened to every word.

Although it is difficult for all of us to believe that she is no longer physically here, we each carry a part of her within us — her voice in our minds guiding us through difficult times, encouraging us to press on, and reminding us to be grateful for all that we have. She came from humble beginnings, yet gave so much to everyone around her. For all these things and so much more, we love you, Grandma. We love you, Mom. We love you, Sandy. We will see you once again in Heaven. God bless you, and God bless us all.

A private service for immediate family will be held on August 9, 2025 at Hillcrest Memorial Funeral Home and Park, Haughton, Louisiana.