Sandra Marie ”Nana” Gardepe, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully June 6, 2026, at the age of 87 at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Pat. Born on July 10, 1938, in a world that was ever-changing, Sandra embraced life with a warmth and generosity that touched the hearts of many around her. She spent her days in the charming town of Sidney, where she created countless memories and forged lifelong friendships.
A graduate of Deposit High School, Sandra embraced every moment of life with open arms. She found joy in the simple pleasures, often seen lost in the pages of a good book or happily creating handmade knitted slippers and mittens that brought warmth to her loved ones. Her culinary talents shone through in her homemade noodle soup and potato candy, which were staples at family gatherings, drawing everyone together for laughter and love. Sandra retired as a town clerk in the Town of Tompkins.
Sandra married the love of her life, Richard Gardepe, Aug. 5, 1956. Together, they built a life filled with laughter, kindness, and dedication to their family and community. Sandra’s warmth and generosity touched many lives, and her spirit will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.
Sandra had a deep appreciation for nature and adventure, often camping at Crystal Lake in Gilbertsville, where countless memories were made with family and friends. Her heart sang to the tunes of country music, especially the timeless melodies of George Strait, which echoed the values she cherished. Her passions extended beyond family and crafts to her cherished experiences at the Delaware County Fair, a highlight of her year that connected her to her community and the vibrant spirit of life around her.
Sandra was a proud matriarch, nurturing a large and loving family that included 19 grandchildren: Corey, Amber, Josh, Chad, Kendra, Brian, Dalton, Justin, Abby, Ryan, Brett, Mackenzie, Austin, Matt, Jess, Rodney, Zachery, Jeffrey, Tiffany; 43 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. She instilled in each of them a sense of wonder and a love for life’s simple joys, which will continue to be passed down through generations.
Sandra’s warmth, kindness, and laughter will be deeply missed but forever remembered by those whose lives she touched.
Sandra is survived by her children Joe (Dawn), Tim (Pam), and Judy (Pat) Backus; brother-in-law Wayne (Spike) Gardepe, Walton, sisters-in-Law Carrol Seward of Trout Creek and Barbara McClean of Pennsylvania; brother Ed Mills of Trout Creek, sisters Barbara Keuhn of Guilford and Patricia Gardepe of Walton, and special friends Janet Hulbert and Judy Seeley.
Sandra is predeceased in death by her parents Wellington and Marjorie Mills, her husband Richard Gardepe, brothers-in-law James Gardepe, Francis Gardepe, Karl Keuhn, Charles Seward, sister-in-law Linda Mills, sister Fannie Vermilyea, brother Clead Mills, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Graveside services for Sandra Marie Gardepe will be held Friday, June 12 at 11 a.m. at the Walton Cemetery, 55 Fancher Ave., Walton. In her memory, the family welcomes all who knew her to join in celebration of a life well-lived, filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Helios Care and the Trout Creek Fire Department.
