Sandra M. Jackson

Sandy was first and foremost a devoted mother of four children. Throughout her life, she was a guardian, teacher, mentor, and generous host to foster children, cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and students. Her pragmatic nature and self-deprecating humor often belied deep knowledge, experience, and talent across a wide range of pursuits.

She found deep satisfaction in hosting gatherings that brought people together around food, laughter, singing and dancing. These moments took place most memorably at her home at the farm in Walton, New York; at the camp built by her father on Sacandaga Lake; and in her home in Oneonta. In every place she lived, Sandy created a home that functioned as both a refuge and a gathering place, especially for young people who needed steady guidance, warmth, and belonging.

Sandy attended SUNY Cobleskill, where she earned a degree in dietary science and briefly practiced as a dietitian. She later transitioned fully into farming, working alongside her husband, Tom, in their dairy and sweet corn business. She also served as a teacher’s aide for Walton Central School, where her steady presence and good humor made a lasting difference.

A master gardener and gifted mentor, Sandy was a guiding light to her own children and to countless others through work, friendship, and example. Many people fondly recalled her Friday pizza nights and warm Christmas bread that would show up each year on doorsteps of neighbors and friends. This work embodied her spirit of community and shared joy.

Her interests were wide-ranging and enthusiastically pursued. She loved traveling and outdoor adventure, spending several summers exploring the Western US with Tom in their fifth-wheel trailer. She eventually embraced the snowbird lifestyle, spending winters in Tucson, Arizona and summers in Oneonta. She found joy in hiking, kayaking, gardening, and watching sunrises at Sacandaga Lake. She was a seamstress, quilter, knitter, baker, chef, and consummate host. She was also a pickleball legend, active in Tucson and instrumental in helping to open a pickleball chapter in Oneonta. Her competitiveness was matched by her sense of fun.

Sandy was married to her beloved husband, Tom, for 54 years until his death in 2018. Later in life, she found love again and shared a deep partnership with Ken Sylvia of Tucson, Arizona. During her final weeks, she was visited by a steady stream of people who loved her. These visits were filled with stories, gratitude, and laughter.

She is survived by her children:

• William Thomas Jackson, Jr. of Deposit, New York (children Misty Renee and Bradley Tyler; son Cody Michael predeceased)

• Jennifer Constable of Hamden, New York (married to Michael Constable; son Harrison Jacob “Jake” predeceased)

• Samuel Jackson of Portland, Oregon (married to Rebecca Dobert; children Lucia Pearl and Margot Plum)

• Jacqueline Scanlon of Oneonta, New York (married to Todd Scanlon; children Emma Paige, Josie Kait, and Jackson Brody)

She is also survived by her sister Jeanne Tommell (Dave Manchester) of Eagle Bay, New York, and by the memory of her brothers Paul Tommell (Terri) and John “Corky” Tommell (Carol), who predeceased her. She was the daughter of John J. Tommell and Helen Charette of West Albany, New York.

Sandy was a devoted mother and grandmother, known lovingly as ZsaZsa to her grandchildren; and a mentor, host, wife, aunt, friend, gardener, and community builder. Many who passed through her home considered her a second mother and carried her lessons forward long after they left. Her home always had an open door, enough food for a small army, and a warm bed. Pragmatic, sarcastic, endlessly capable, and a natural facilitator, Sandy filled her spaces with warmth, joy, and laughter. Her presence shaped lives, and her influence will continue through the many people who were fortunate to call her family or friend.

A celebration of Sandy’s life will be held Saturday, January 24, 2026, from 3:00–7:00 p.m. at Foothills Performing Arts and Civic Center. Donations in her memory may be made to the Sixth Ward Athletic Club Scholarship Fund or the Oneonta Boys & Girls Club, honoring her love for children and commitment to education.