Sandra Gail Heath

Born January 13, 1943 in Sarnia Ontario, to the late James and Evelyn (Kilbreath) Geary, Sandra was a woman of great character. Coming from an athletic family, early on she committed to figure skating lessons, spending time at the rink everyday before and after school, ultimately achieving her goal of becoming a competitive skater. Upon graduating in 1960 from Sarnia Collegiate Institute & Technical Institute in Sarnia, Ontario, she attended Branford General Nursing School, paying her tuition with wages earned from teaching figure skating. Graduating in 1964, with nursing degree in hand, Sandra set her sights on the University of Michigan Medical center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she met and subsequently married Larry Heath, then a medical school student, on December 30, 1966. Sacrificing her career for love, she soon followed her good doctor to Vilsek, West Germany, while he completed service there in the U.S. Army. Eventually the couple landed in Canada briefly before relocating to Michigan, where Dr. Heath completed a dermatology residency at Wayne State University, in Detroit, after which he set up a solo practice in dermatology in Mt. Clemens, Michigan.

Sandra was a selfless and devoted wife and mother, friend, and community member. A gracious host, she entertained often. Fulfillment for her was achieved by making her family and friends feel appreciated. A woman of multiple talents and hobbies, she was an excellent seamstress, once making slip covers so precisely that they were said to resemble upholstery. Knitting was a passion of hers, and she enjoyed creating greeting cards utilizing die cuts and rubber stamping.

As a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Sandra was a member of the United Methodist Women’s group (UMW). She also served as volunteer in the Women’s Medical Auxiliary, an organization dedicated to aiding ailing children and their families. In addition to these duties, she put her compassion and listening skills to good use as a summer camp counsellor and Girl Scout leader.

Sandra is survived by her children, Scott (Sheila) Heath and Dr. Georgia Heath Tibbitts; grandchildren Anna Heath, Josh Heath, Mason Tibbitts, and Kai Tibbitts; sister Pat (Chris) Williams, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her dear husband Larry and her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Bill Geary and sister-in-law Sandy Geary. She will be greatly missed.

Funeral service for Sandra will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 4, 2023 at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 620 Romeo Road, in Rochester. Rev. Elbert Dulworth officiating. She will lie in state at 10 a.m.

Interment to follow at White Chapel Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association.