Sandra Sue Gillette

Sandi passed away peacefully at home on August 24th, after a courageous three-year battle with Supranuclear Palsy, a rare form of Parkinson’s disease. She was 73 years old.

Born and raised in Norfolk, Nebraska, Sandi discovered her passion for teaching at a young age and made it her life’s work to inspire and nurture students. Her calling lasted nearly 40 years as an educator. After teaching in Norfolk, Sandi and her family moved to Omaha, then Scottsdale, Arizona, and eventually settled in Irvine, California, where she spent the last 37 years of her life.

As a teacher at Brywood Elementary in Irvine, Sandi was known for her unwavering dedication and genuine love for her students. She had the rare gift of making every child feel safe, heard, and capable of success. Her colleagues and students alike will remember her as an incredible mentor and friend—someone who always went above and beyond to ensure that every child felt important.

Outside of the classroom, Sandi was the best mother anyone could ask for. She was the heart of her family: nurturing, loving, and endlessly supportive. She poured her energy into raising her children, Jon and Sara, with warmth, patience, and wisdom that enriched their lives in every way.

As “Nana” to Hayley, Tessa, Addison, Keira, and Luke, Sandi found immense joy in spending time with her grandchildren. She created special memories and traditions that will live on in their hearts. Whether baking cookies, reading stories, or simply enjoying their company, Sandi’s presence was a constant source of love and comfort.

Sandi’s 49-year marriage to her husband, Bruce, was filled with love and happiness. They were best friends whose love only deepened over the years. Their favorite moments were spent volunteering for philanthropic activities, spending time with family, long walks, cruising and traveling to new and exciting places around the world.

A true Nebraska Husker fan, Sandi proudly wore her red-and-white every Saturday during football season. Her spirit and love for life will be cherished by all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Bruce; her son, Jon; her daughter, Sara; her five grandchildren—Hayley (15), Tessa (14), Addison (13), Keira (13), and Luke (9)—all of whom live nearby in Orange County, California; and her brother, Dennis, of Littleton, Colorado. Sandi will be remembered not only as a loving wife, mother, Nana, teacher, and friend, but as a woman whose heart was as big as her legacy.

A service to celebrate Sandi’s life will be announced soon.