I met Sandy at a dance in 1983. She grabbed me out of a crowd and we just started swinging. I was a spaz and she was a pro, so she led and I followed. That was my first and last experience of feeling like a good dancer. We got to be friends after that, but fell out of touch after I moved to California in 1985. Yesterday I looked her up, because I thought it would be fun to get back in touch. Instead I found her obituary and this memorial page. It was a wrenching discovery.

It's natural to wonder what happened, but I can respect family and friends' wish not to discuss it. It is good to know, however, that one mystery in her life was solved. The last I talked to her (I'm guessing in 1985), she thought her brother Steve, then already long missing, was possibly dead. But Steve is one of those writing kind words here in this series of remembrances. It is also good to read here as well that Sandy and Steve had recently reunited.

Sandy was such a good soul. I'll never forget her smile, her voice, her laugh, and her goodness toward everyone. My best to all who knew her.

Sandra,
You were my best friend and I really miss you.  Thanks for the time I was able to spend with you through both the good times and the bad and thanks for the memories I will cherish for the rest of my life.  

Life seemed to throw you a lot of curves, but you always handled situations with grace and dignity and usually came out on top.  I sincerely believe you made the world a better place through the way you reached out to help others and I think they appreciate it more than you can imagine. 

I have found a good home for you dogs; I think you would be pleased.  I am sorry you had to leave so soon; I would have liked to see you retire and enjoy life. I wished you would have let me help you more, but I also understand you liked to be independent.  

I think you had a life well lived and I am very proud of you.  I will not say goodbye because you will continue to live through me and others whose lives you have touched.

I love you and you will always hold a very special place in my heart.

Dear Ostby Family,
       I have only met Sandy in person one time in my life, although, my wife and I have had many wonderful conversations with her. The occasion was when she came to Florida to meet and adopt her dog Minnie. From the time we spent talking I could really sense the kind of loving, caring person that she obviously was. Our animals are very dear to us, and we do not place them into homes lightly. We are very happy that we found Sandy and that she found us, both as a loving owner for one of our pups, and as a person that truly has had a positive and uplifting affect on our lives just knowing her and interacting with her through our common love for animals, and Minnie in particular. We will miss her very much.

Dear Family,
I'm so sad to hear of Sandy's passing. It's been some years since I've seen her, but she was always a dear person. I fondly remember some summers we spent together at Bill and Norma's in Urbana. I always admired Sandy, even when we were kids. My heart goes out to you all.

Sandy, I will always remember the fun times we spent together as children when you would come to visit Grandma. Your southern charm and beautiful accent stay with to this day. I wish he had stayed in closer touch over the years.

Sandy will be greatly missed by her huge extended family. She was a very caring, positive, hardworking person who knew just the perfect thing to say when challenges were sent her way. To her family, my condolences.

 Sandy was a beautiful, special person. Sorry for your lost. She will truly be missed. We will hold you in our prayers. May God continue to bless you  and your family !! Tyrone & Josephine Wilson     (Oxford N.C.)

Sandy will be greatly missed by all who had the opportunity to encounter her beautiful presence. She was truly the epitome of beauty, inside and out. She will be remembered...

Sandy,
I love you and I miss you dearly.  I am so grateful for our long phone conversations in the last few months that we both enjoyed so much.  You have been a great inspiration for me.  Your help, encouragement, and wise advice have enriched my life.  Love always.  Your brother, Steve.

Dear Sandy,
I am grateful to have known you as a friend. Thank you for your encouragement and talks that helped me through my sister's trying times with cancer. I will miss you, but I'll never forget your care for the residents at Murdoch.

THERE ARE NO WORDS FOR THIS LOST U WILL TRUELY BE MISS YOU WERE A WONDERFUL LADY MAY YOU REST IN PEACE MY HEART GOSE OUT WTH UR FAMILY THEY ARE IN MY PRAYER

Joe, Ann and family, Sandy will be missed greatly.  Our prayers and thoughts are with you. The angels needed her and they knew she would make a great impact on the lives of others.  Sandy's smile and her happy cheerful speeches will be carried forever.  Lyn and Kathy Williams (Williams Bothers) - Oxford, NC

Sandy was a gift to all those who knew her. She will be missed!
                                                Kathy Schutz (Murdoch Center)

I never met Sandy in person but she was one of my favorite customers here at State Farm.  We would talk about what was going on in her life and mine when she called to make a change or make a payment. I spoke to her on May 25th and she was so excited to tell me about reconnecting with her brother Steve.  I was so shocked to hear she was gone.  She seemed so happy and full of life that day and I really enjoyed our conversations.  I will miss that.  My thoughts and prayers are with the family and especially Steve.  I guess the reconnection was just meant to be at this particular time.

Oh my goodness - Sandy was truly a friend to many.  No matter what life dealt her, she continued to be upbeat, joyous and free-spirited.  She will always remain in my heart and will continue to be such inspiration to me.  Sandy went through terrific challenges in her life - she has made me realize that I really have no problems, only situations.  What an absolute  joy to have had her in my life!  "Bebe"

So sorry to hear of Sandy's death. Sandy always had a smile and a kind word for me, and I'll remember her as "the Little Engine That Could". Her love and concern for the residents and her coworkers at Murdoch was evident. I'm thinking of and praying for all of you.

Sandra- I am so glad you were a part of our family. We will miss you so very much. I will miss talking with you at our family get togethers. You were a great aunt.I love you.

To Sandy's family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. I am glad that Sandy was able to reunite with her brother Steve recently - that meant the world to her. To Sandy, you taught me many lessons that I will never forget. I am especially grateful for those superb clinical notes you left me on all of those patients at JUH.  It helped me tremendously as a young dietitian. Rest in peace. You will be missed by many.........

To Sandy's family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.  I am glad that Sandy was able to reunite with her brother Steve recently. To Sandy, you taught me many lessons that I will never forget..especially when I was a new dietitian trying to figure out how to write those long term care SOAP notes over at JUH. Rest in Peace..You will be missed my many.

Sandy you will be missed greatly. I was looking forward to working with you again.  It was a shock to lose you so soon and unexpectly. You were a very caring and sincere person. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.

Sandy,You were a wonderful and caring person and you will be truly missed.I"m really going to miss  us talking about our dogs.I hope that someone takes real good care of your dogs.

Dear Family;
Sandy was a very inspiring person to me. She listen to all of my concerns small and large and gave me advice that I am truly grateful for. I will miss her but I know she will be watching over me. The family is in my prayers.

Our sweet neighbor Sandy, we miss you terribly.

Sandy
You were a caring,thoughtful,giving,and loving person. You were a great Director and friend. I am sad to see you go but God has a better plan for you. Sandy, you have earned your wings, so fly high and one day we will meet again.

Dear Family
It has been a pleasure working with Sandy for the past eleven years. She has been a joy and inspiration to me. Not only was she my supervisor but she was a true friend. To the family - you all are in my prayers.
Sylvia Satterfield

Dear Family
I have worked with Sandy for a number of years and they were enjoyable. She had a lot of trials and tribulations but it's over now,"Everyday will be Sunday." She will truly be missed. 
Gloria Mitchell

Dear Family
I have only worked with Sandy for the past two years, she was a caring and loving person. She will be truly missed by her Murdoch Family. I want you all to know that you all now have an "Guardina Angel" looking over you all. The family will continue to be in my prayers.   Bernetta Moss

To Sandy's family--- I am so sorry for your loss. What a phenomenal lady Sandy was---a brilliant, smart woman, with a huge heart. She always put others before herself, especially the individuals she served at Murdoch, whom she so loved. A tireless worker, she was a superb supervisor/Director, but more importantly, a great friend to the staff and individuals she came to know and love. She always put the individuals' needs to the forefront. She was a lover of dogs and Subarus, both of which we shared many conversations about! I will miss our recaps of the Westminster and Raleigh dog shows! She so loved her family (canine one, also!) and friends. Her Murdoch family will miss her greatly! Peace and prayers to Sandy, her family, and all of her loved ones! Debra & William Green

Dear Family- 
Sandy was one of the most positive, upbeat people I have ever known.  Even when she did not feel good, she had a smile and a hug.  I will miss her so.  Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Karin Hodges

Dear Family, You are in my thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow.  Just know that Sandy was one of the most positive and friendly people I have ever known in my life.  She will be missed by you as her family, I know; but know that her Murdoch family will also miss her smiles.

Sandra,you were a wonderful person and I am glad we had all this years together. I am proud to have been your sister- in- law.You will be greatly missed by your family and friends.We love you .

Sandy,
I will truly miss working with you and our fun chats that we often had. You were a wonderful hope person who was a even greater friend. I hope you are as happy as when you went to Savannah and was so excited about how beautiful it was. Love you always and forever in my heart. Wilma

OBITUARY

Sandra "Sandy" Josephine Ostby

May 23, 1951 – June 15, 2012

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