Sandra Mae Gillis

Sandra M. Gillis, 88, passed away peacefully on the evening of April 6, 2026, surrounded by her husband and children. She was a woman of deep faith whose life was marked by devotion to her family and service to others.

Sandy was born in Chicago, Illinois to Charles Sadowski and Sophia Garman.

Sandy lived her life with a full and loving heart, embracing each day with a vibrant spirit and a deep, abiding joy, always grounded in her unwavering faith in Jesus. She was a loving wife and a devoted mother who raised five children with tenderness, strength, and endless love.

Born and raised in Chicago, Sandy’s joyful spirit was evident from an early age. As a young girl, she delighted in attending Cubs games, beginning a lifelong love of baseball that remained with her throughout the years—even carrying her all the way to the World Series. She attended Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Girls High School near Midway Airport, where her faith deepened and her extraordinary gift for music began to flourish. There, she learned to sing in Latin, nurturing a beautiful voice that she would generously share with church choirs, friends, and family for the rest of her life.

As a young woman, Sandy worked at the Handy Button Machine Company, where she met the love of her life, Gary Gillis. Their meeting marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership rooted in love, devotion, and shared dreams. Sandy longed for warmer days beyond the cold Chicago winters, and in a gesture that spoke volumes, Gary once came home with a brick—symbolizing the foundation of the life they would build together in Texas, where their dream would take root.

Family was always at the center of Sandy’s heart. With ties to Iowa through her mother, she cherished her childhood visits to her grandmother’s farm, spending treasured time with her sister Marilyn and her beloved cousin Eleanor. Though she proudly claimed her place as a city girl—and happily avoided farm chores—those days were rich with laughter, adventure, and memories she held close throughout her life.

Sandy carried her joy into everything she did. She loved disco dancing and bowling, embracing life with energy, laughter, and a sense of fun that drew others to her. Her faith remained a guiding light, and she gave generously of herself as a lector and Eucharistic minister at a hospital, offering comfort, compassion, and connection to all she served. Through her church, she built deep and lasting friendships that enriched her life.

In her later years, Sandy’s greatest happiness was found in her family. Her love knew no bounds, and her grandchildren, who adored their Nana, were the light of her life. She treasured every moment with them—especially the simple joys of swimming, laughing, and making memories together by the pool.

Sandy’s life was a beautiful reflection of faith, love, and joy. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, devotion, and a gentle reminder to cherish each day and the people we hold dear.

Sandra is preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Lisa T. McRoberts; and siblings Marilyn Juers, Eugene Trust, and Bernard Shimkus. She is survived by her loving husband, Gary M. Gillis; children Deborah L. McDonald (Scott), Mark A. Lamping (Dorothy), Laura A. Flynn (Dennis) and Michael S. Gillis (Julie); grandchildren, Brandon Hale (Kim), Andrew McDonald (Jan), Samantha Tucker (Jason), Ashley Kennedy (Danny), Mark A. Lamping (Jessica), John Lamping, Aiden Flynn, Preston Flynn, Lauren Flynn, Allison Flynn, Lionel Gillis, and Zachary Gillis; great-grandchildren, Layla McDonald, Carson Tucker, Cash Tucker, Sophia Lamping, Charlie McDonald, Harper Hale, Nathanael Lamping, Everly Kennedy, and James Kennedy; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Porter Loring Mortuary North, with a Rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m.

A Memorial Mass will take place Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Padre Pio Catholic Church, 3843 Bulverde Pkwy, San Antonio, TX.

Monsieur Patrick Ragsdale will officiate. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.