Sandra Rose Lasley was the first-born daughter of Cecil Mahlon Rose and Elna Connelly Rose. She was born in Winston-Salem, NC on 24 September 1937 and graduated from James A. Gray High School in 1955. Sandra attended and graduated from Wesleyan College in Macon, GA in 1959, with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. She married John A. Lasley, Jr. after graduation, and she spent the next 26 years living and traveling in the US and Europe while John was in the US Air Force. Sandra was a talented professional, serving as an educator, an interior designer, florist and antique store owner. She also was a devoted and beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She lived for 19 years in Middleburg, VA and loved horse country life. She later lived near or with her children in Alexandria, VA, St. Augustine, FL and, ultimately, in Santa Fe, NM.
Sandra will be remembered for her deep love of family, children, cooking, and interior design. She was also a person of strong Christian faith, a faith instilled in her by her sweet parents. Sandra went by many family nicknames, including ‘Nanny Rabbit’ and ‘Chef Nan’ – her grandchildren and great-grandchildren loved to cook and bake with Chef Nan. Most especially, she will be remembered for her southern charm, grace, creativity, hospitality, and all holiday family events, and most especially for the tradition of ‘Santa Mouse.’
Sandra is preceded in death by her parents, and sister Claire Rose Buckley and brother-in-law Glenn Buckley. She leaves behind her 3 children: Dr. Robin Rose (Wayne Ziskal); Jennifer A. Lasley (James Williams); John A. Lasley III (Angela); 6 grandchildren; Whitney Bartlett, Holly Habimana, Ashley Conry, Joshua Lasley, Jacob Lasley, and Ellie Williams; 7 great-grandchildren; Kaya, Leila and Reef Bartlett, Brekston and Kempsey Conry, Kigan Habimana, and Savannah Lasley; and 2 nephews; Brenan Buckley (Jamie) and Patrick Buckley (Beth).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the cardiac care unit at Children’s Hospital in Denver, Colorado in honor of her great-grandson, Kempsey Slater Conry, who was born with a congenital heart defect. www.childrenscolorado.org/community/support-childrens-colorado/make-a-financial-donation/
A celebration of life service for Sandra will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at Vogler Funeral & Cremations at Forsyth Memorial Park Mausoleum, 3815 Yadkinville Rd, Winston Salem, NC. The family will receive friends following the service.
