Sandra Jennifer McCalpin Lewis

Sandra Lewis, who sang loudly, danced freely, and laughed often, passed away on April 17, 2024 at the age of 78. She embraced life uninhibitedly, attacking it with boundless energy and radiating joy. An extraordinarily devoted mother and adoring nana, Sandra showered her loved ones with warmth and unwavering loyalty. Though her vibrant spirit dimmed too soon, her memory will burn bright – a beacon of delight in friendship, new experiences, and cherishing every moment. Sandra’s legacy endures in the smiles she sparked in others and the inspiration to live as vibrantly as she did.

With an insatiable wanderlust and zest for life, Sandra embarked on her grandest adventure at just 21 years old, bravely immigrating from her native England to Canada with two infant children in tow. But that daring spirit wouldn’t be contained – she continued her journey, making her way to the United States where she planted new roots and blossomed. Sandra became a proud U.S. citizen in 1980, crafting a life for herself and her family in California and Arizona, while still traveling extensively to satiate her desire to explore the world.

Sandra’s boundless creativity found myriad outlets – she was a phenomenal knitter who owned her own beloved shop “Sandy’s Knit Shop” in California. There, she shared her passion, her skilled hands lovingly crafting masterpieces from yarn – from cozy sweaters to precious preemie hats and booties she donated to hospitals. Her talents extended even further to drawing, painting, ceramics, jewelry-making, and baking, notably her famous apple pies and perfect renditions of British classics like Yorkshire pudding and Cornish pasties. Not to mention she could make a mean sausage roll!An avid reader, Sandra found true contentment curling up with a good book, a cup of proper English tea with milk and sugar in hand, punctuated by a contented sigh after that first sip. She instilled that same love of reading in her family. In her free time, Sandra embraced the outdoor life – boating, fishing, camping, and was an eager co-pilot who loved flying with her loved ones. She had a special affinity for all animals, particularly her beloved cats.

At her core, Sandra was a nurturer devoted to her family above all else. She cherished her roles as mother to Suzanne, Christene, and Zoe, mother-in-law to Mike, adoring Nana to Andrew, Jennifer, Zachary, Tyler, Cortney, and Zach E., and great-Nana to Brenden. Her proud memberships included the Daughters of the British Empire and a career as a realtor developing custom homes. But Sandra’s greatest accomplishment was the warm, loving home she created and opened to the world.

Predeceased by her mother Hilda Benfield, dad John McCalpin, and sister Janet Palmer, Sandra is survived by her sister Shirley Jeffcott, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. In her final act of generosity, she chose to donate her brain for Alzheimer’s research upon her passing. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s research organizations in Sandra’s memory.

Those who knew and loved Sandra will forever miss her joyful spirit, her many stories, and the way she taught everyone to make life an adventure. We will forever cherish and miss this curious, caring, and joyful woman who filled our lives with so much light.

Nana Penny, put the kettle on, your sweet daughter is on her way.