Sandra Elaine Shandy

IN MEMORY OF: Sandra Elaine Shandy Serving Location: CRAIN FUNERAL HOME – CAPE GIRARDEAU 829 North West End Boulevard, Cape Girardeau, Missouri Sandra Shandy, 87, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 17, 2025 surrounded by loved ones at Ratliff Nursing Center in Cape Girardeau. Sandra was born on November 14, 1937, in Springfield, Missouri, the only child of Daniel Elmer “Tom” Harris and Minnie Love Harris of Summersville, Missouri. Sandra graduated from Summersville High School in 1955. She attended Southwest Missouri State College then went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from the University of Missouri - Columbia in 1960. On August 30, 1958, Sandra married her childhood sweetheart James L. Shandy at Summersville Methodist Church. The couple moved to Chicago, Illinois, where they worked for Hartford Insurance in the city’s magnificent Wrigley Building. Later, Sandra put her degree to use for the University of Missouri Extension’s home economics service in Lesterville, Missouri, while Jim served in the US Army. Eventually Jim and Sandra returned to Columbia where their first son James Daniel was born in 1963 while Jim was earning his master’s degree. In 1966, Cape Girardeau became their forever home where they welcomed another son, Kenneth Allen. Sandra began her 25-year career working as the school secretary, substitute teacher and unofficial “nurse” for Nell Holcomb School. Students from those years still fondly remember Mrs. Shandy as the kind voice, the gentle helper and the one with the ready smile when a scraped knee or a rough day needed tending. Following retirement from Nell Holcomb she worked in an administrative capacity for Missouri State Teachers’ Association. Sandra and her family enjoyed many float trips on Jacks Fork and Current rivers, camping on Florida beaches and traveling to nearly all 50 states. She and Jim took several international cruises with church friends Ray and Joan Haring, John and Jean Graham, and other close traveling companions who became like family sharing laughter and memories that lasted a lifetime. Faith and community were always at the center of Sandra’s world. For 58 years she was an active member of Grace United Methodist Church in Cape lending her voice to the choir, ringing bells with the Grace Notes, and cheerfully serving wherever needed. She also held various leadership positions in United Women of Faith (formerly UMW). Sandra’s creative skills were evident in her role as den mother for both boys’ Cub Scout dens. The family continued with Scouting that led both sons to achieve their Eagle Scout rank. She also found joy in bridge clubs, home economics club, and all the friendships that blossomed from them. Even in retirement, she gave of herself volunteering at Southeast Missouri Hospital, especially enjoying her time welcoming visitors, delivering cards and flowers to patients, and photographing new babies. She leaves behind her devoted husband, Jim; sons Dan (Renee) and Ken of Cape Girardeau; her sister-in-law Sharon Sinclair of Coker, Alabama; step granddaughter Chelsea Bowerman (John Dedeke) of St. Louis; and countless friends who were blessed to be part of her story. A Family Led Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Grace United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau with visitation being held prior to the service from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM. Lunch will follow the service at the church. Donations may be made in Sandra’s memory to Grace United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau. Crain Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Cape Girardeau is in charge of arrangements.

Sandra Elaine Shandy

November 14, 1937 - August 17, 2025