Traverse City - Sandra Maie Kraft, 74, of Traverse City passed away unexpectedly in her sleep Friday, October 21, 2016 at her Traverse City home.
Sandy was born on Monday, September 14, 1942 to the late Harry and Esther (Smith) McFatridge in Big Rapids, MI. The family later moved to the Detroit area and she graduated from L'Anse Creuse High School.
Sandy was one to push the envelope, perhaps attributable to her Dad being a Detroit police officer. She became a model in her younger years, which she enjoyed. She met and married John H. Kraft and they became the parents of three children. John passed away October 4, 2010.
Over the years, Sandy had been a real estate agent, owned and operated Sandy's Flower Shop on South Airport Road, and yet her greatest joy in life was being a homemaker, caring for her husband and children. In recent years, Sandy became very involved in AA and was a sponsor to many women in the area. She was known for giving everyone a fair shot and felt honored to give the opportunity to be of help and encouragement to the women she sponsored, having several of them stay in her home over the years so that she could be a constant role model. She enjoyed antiques, really enjoyed refinishing furniture and enjoyed spending time, either working in her beautiful gardens with her daughter or doing a lap around the bay and delivering a Nordic Tug with her son Jay.
Sandy is survived by her children, Adam (Mari) of Ft. Wayne, Korenne Kraft and Jay Kraft, both of Traverse City, her grandchildren Keara, Kaitlin and Kyleigh; her sister Janet Slanec of Dade City, FL, and many wonderful, treasured and beloved friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Sandy was preceded in death by a brother Fred.
A time to celebrate Sandy's life will take place in the coming weeks at her home in Traverse City with an announcement preceding the date. Memorial contributions to honor Sandy's memory may be directed to her favorite organizations, The Father Fred Foundation or AA.
Please share your memories as well as thoughts to Sandy's family by visiting her tribute page at
www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com
.
The family is being cared for by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.