Sandra Jo Measell was welcomed home into the arms of our beloved Creator, October 31, 2019.
Born Sandra Jo Shaff in Dearborn, Michigan, February 12, 1946, to Milford and Ruth Shaff.
She is survived by her husband, Thomas Measell; children, Kurtis Kakaviska, Keith Kakaviska, Kent (Rachel) Measell; step-children, David Measell, Tricia (Scott) Piereson; grandchildren, Connor Piereson; siblings, Robert (Debbie) Shaff and Roger (Cathy) Shaff.
Sandra was preceded in death by parents, Milford and Ruth Amanda Shaff; siblings, Charles William Boulton, Elizabeth Jane Shaff; step-daughter, Kelly Measell; grandson, Andrew Piereson.
She held many names; Sandy, Sandra, Sandra Jo, JoJo, Aunt JoJo, mom, mother, ma’, and Chickiewanis (Tom’s favorite). She was a fiercely devoted spouse, mother, sister, friend and a woman of faith above all. Her family included all bloodlines and beyond. To the motherless, she was a mother. To the grieving, she was a shoulder to lean on and a voice of hope. To the lost and broken, she was a light.
Her smile and sense of humor brightened your day. She shared many laughs with many people, but most of all her husband and children. She always lived from her heart and expressed it through music, dance, and prayer. Whether it was a talk over the phone, sitting at her hairdresser’s chair, at the altar at church or in line at Walmart, you could always count on Sandy for an uplifting word of encouragement.
She leaves a large void in many lives, but we have hope because we know she has her dancing legs back and she is laughing with her beloved Jesus now.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 4, 2019, at 12:00 p.m., at Mount Hope Church in Gaylord.
Visitation will be held at the Nelson Funeral Home on Sunday, November 3, 2019, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and at Mount Hope Church on Monday, November 4, 2019, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army through the Nelson Funeral Home, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
Sandy will be buried on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. at Otsego Lake Township Cemetery in Gaylord.
24 comments on “Sandra Measell”
Tom,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Hang on to all the good memories.
Leo Sensabaugh
Tom, I can’t imagine the loss of your wife. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers in the difficult days ahead as you navigate this terrible loss.
Kurt and family,
So sorry for your loss, your mom was always a very nice lady.
Tom, Kurt, Keith and Kent,
I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your wife/mother. Sandy has been my prayer warrior for years. I will sincerely miss hearing her say, I’m praying for you girl🙂
Love, Kelly & Linus Branigan
I cannot even begin to tell you how sad this makes me feel. I have known Sandy since my first year working at Gaylord Schools, many years ago. Her son Keith was my very first office aide, which is just such a fond memory. I knew Tricia, who was just such a lovely young lady as well. And, I also worked with Kurt “Coach K”, a dedicated Basketball Coach, through High School Athletics for several years. Such a genuinely nice family. I am so sorry for your family, with the loss of Andrew and now Sandy. There are just no words for times like this. Please know that you are all in my prayers.
Kurt and Family..Our sincere sympathy on the passing of your Mom.We shall keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Tom, Kurt, Keith and Kent,
We are saddened to hear of our dear friends passing. We have so many fond memories of our times together. As you know, her laughter and sense of humor always had us doubling over! I saw her a couple of weeks ago and she was updating me on her family which was her pride and joy. She loved you all so very much! Her legacy will shine through each of you❤️ Love you all! John & Jan Lake
Tom,
I’m having a tough time finding words to express my sadness. You’ve both been such dear friends. We’ll miss Sandy greatly.
Phillip & Vanessa Matheny
I am so sad to hear this. I miss her silly giggle. She was a wonderful person, always gracious and thoughtful. She will be greatly missed.
Tom, Kurt and Family, I am so very sorry for the loss of Sandy. She was absolutely beautiful inside and out. She always had a smile and kind words for others. Sandy will be missed by all who knew her. Our heartfelt sympathy to all.
Love & Prayers dear Brother Tom.
Our deepest condolences. Her love for others, her great faith, her smile, her laugh, her joy, her wit will be sorely missed. Praying for you and yours. We share in your loss. The angels are singing! She is home with our Father.
Love,
Jan and Jim
Our deepest condolences. We will miss her great faith, her love of people, her wit, her joy, her laugh. What fun we had together! Praying for you and yours. We share in your loss. The angels are singing. Sandy is home with our Lord.
Love,
Jan and Jim
Tom,Kurt, Keith and Kent, We are so sorry to hear about Sandy, she was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Robert and Roger and family sorry for your loss.
For 40 years I was honored and blessed to call Sandy my friend. ❤️
I will miss her smile, her laugh, her silliness, her love and our many LONG conversations. The loss of this beautiful soul is certainly heaven’s gain!
My most heartfelt condolences to Tom, Kurt, Keith, Kent and the extended family. The mention of her name will forever bring a smile to my face.
I love you Sandy ❤️
I had a nice chat with her about her beautiful hair on Tuesday. I told her that she always had such pretty hair and always loved seeing what she would do next. I’m completely shocked and so very very sorry for your loss.
Tom and family, My heart is breaking for you all. Sandy was a dear sister in Christ. I’ve know you all since 1980’s, I am very shocked. The last time Sandy and I spoke, I felt she was very close to heaven. She had such a heavenly glow. I remarked how beautiful she was and she looked so good wearing lavender. I asked her how she was doing and we hugged. She said with such conviction=; “Who knows maybe the next time we’ll see each other will be in heaven.” I agreed. She was jubilantly happy and the heavenly glow was brighter about Sandy. I, like others was looking for the next time we would see each other. I have felt in those days since, just about a week or so ago, to call her. I prayed for you all. I will miss my friend, especially in our prayer time at Mt. Hope Church. Sandy was very much in tune with God. I am super excited because I know with conviction in my heart she is in Jesus arms and happier than we can imagine. I’m sure she would say if she could, not to worry about her. Do what you know, ask Jesus to live in your heart, read your Bible for the answers, so you can be with her when when you are called to Heaven. She loved you all so very much and prayed for each one of you every day.
Sue Karslake Medellin
Tom, Kurt, Keith, Kent, Tricia, David, I am so sad to learn of your Wife and Mother’s death. As you know, she and I have been dear friends for many many years. I am sure she is in a better place and will ask God to help you through this difficult time. I just talked to her last week and hold it a precious memory. God love you all.
Dear Tom, Kurt and family, So saddened to hear of Sandy’s passing. She will be so missed by all who knew her and loved her, but I too know that she is with Jesus, and for her that is better than being with us. Our prayers are with you.
I am saddened to see of the passing of such a loving and caring friend.
Sandy it was a pleasure to work with you at Blair Haus. Sending prayers and condolences to Tom and your family.
Tom and Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. What great memories we have with you and Sandy during the time we lived in Gaylord. She was truly a special person who made great impact in other’s lives. I have no doubt she is in heaven and we have the hope of seeing her again. I pray God’s peace and presence surround you during this very difficult time.
Love and prayers,
Tom and Cindy Grodus
In our prayers.
Sandy was a bright light in the community. I always enjoyed bumping into her at various
retail stores in the community. Our last chat at Hobby Lobby was enjoyable as always.
My sincere condolences to her family. Cathy Huegel