Sandra Lynne Avis

August 24,1962- April 20, 2022

Sandy left us the same way she entered this world – too soon. Born several weeks early in Cleveland, Ohio, she grew up on the city's West Side. Sandy was quick to defend her hometown (and its abysmal sports teams) her whole life!

Sandy met Todd at summer camp when they were 10, and the bond they formed was unbreakable. They married in 1987 with a lifetime of dreams to pursue ahead of them. With three children under the age of five, Todd's travel-intensive job could have proven to be a challenge to the family. Instead, they made sure they used their free time to explore the outdoors, laugh a lot, and spend time with their boys. There was always a golden retriever in the mix to provide unconditional love. It wasn't always easy, but they made it work.

Sandy fiercely loved her three sons and "daughter-in-love." Elliot O'Brien (Meredith), MacKenzie Frederic, and Gabriel Milton brought her unequivocal joy and the occasional sleepless night. While Sandy's college career was dramatically cut short, those who knew her well admired her curiosity, critical thinking, and active and informed citizenry. These values came alive in how she raised her boys to always lead in service to others, engage in a liberal education, and exercise balance with athletic competitions and outdoor adventures. Sandy was very proud of the young men they have become. She was equally as proud of Meredith, an ICU nurse, who has displayed courage and grace in providing care to her patients, particularly in this time of COVID.

Passions, causes and her work drove Sandy to experience great joy and betterment for the common good. She was instrumental in starting a Habitat for Humanity Chapter in Hillsdale County, spent countless hours and resources supporting Planned Parenthood, volunteered for many Democratic Presidential candidates, and was a financial supporter of her local NPR station wherever she lived. Instilling the importance of giving back in her children, Sandy often dragged them to rallies, fundraisers, and the voting booth. Her work as an interior designer was a catalyst for her creative side. Sandy was featured in many national publications but drew most satisfaction from seeing a project come to fruition. A client's vision, in conjunction with hers, led to gratifying results, not to mention the lifelong friendships she made.

When at 41 Sandy was diagnosed with breast cancer, she chose the most aggressive treatment with the aim of enjoying retirement with Todd and being a Nana to her grandchildren. When her metastatic diagnosis came 11 years later, things took a dark turn, but on that day she and Todd vowed to cherish every day. They made more memories with their family and friends in the last few years than a lot of people do in a lifetime.

An endowed scholarship has been created in Sandy's name at Kenyon College for first-generation students majoring in Studio Art. To honor the memory of Sandy, please visit gift.kenyon.edu. Under Designation, please select the Sandra L. Avis Endowed Fund. Her family would be thrilled if you would honor her memory.

Please join us as we gather to remember the life of Sandra L. Avis on June 25, 2022 at Manitou Meadows (Thoreson and Sunset Roads), Glen Arbor, MI at 10:30 am. Luncheon to follow.