Sandi Sackett

Throughout her journey of 87 years filled with laughter and love, Sandra Sackett truly unlocked the secret to a life well lived. She gave freely of her time and energy to those around her, constantly going above and beyond to serve others with a gracious heart. There was nothing that brought Sandi greater joy than spending time with her friends and family, and she deeply cherished each and every moment spent with her loved ones. Her laughter was infectious, and she was never afraid to speak her mind, though she did so with great love and affection. Already so missed, Sandi will be forever loved.

The late 1930s were certainly among some of the most tumultuous years in history. Here in the United States, much of the nation was still recovering from the devastation left in the wake of the Great Depression. With WWII looming overseas, tensions were quickly reaching a boiling point. It was during this time that baby Sandra made her entrance into the world. Born on August 24th of 1939, Sandi was adopted by Ed and Zelda Kauffman. Her family grew to include many siblings, with whom she would remain quite close to throughout her entire life.

Growing up, Sandi was a typical girl of her generation. She was raised in the family home in the Mattawan and Kalamazoo areas of Michigan. Her father, Ed, provided for the household as a truck driver, setting the example of a solid work ethic. From her mother, Zelda, Sandi learned the values of compassion and empathy. Throughout her formative years, she looked forward to beach days at Lake Michigan. Sometimes, she and a friend from high school would sneak liquor out of the cabinet before going to South Haven, showing her mischievous side.

Sandi received her education attending local schools. She was very social and would keep in touch with several of her classmates for many years to come. In 1958, Sandi celebrated her graduation from Gobles High School. She spent multiple summers working as a nanny for a local attorney’s six children. Sandi loved visiting their lake homes in Gobles and on Lake Michigan. She even lived with the family for a time while pursuing nursing school. Sandi went on to graduate from nursing school as an LPN. She stepped into her career with a job at Bronson Lakeview Hospital in Paw Paw.

An exciting chapter in Sandi’s life was unfolding as she met David Sackett, the young man who would forever hold the key to her heart. The two were first introduced through mutual friends, and a romance soon blossomed. Sandi and Dave were married on September 15, 1961. They enjoyed bowling together in a couple’s league throughout the years. Sandi always said that the key to their marriage was to let Dave believe that he was always right—except for the day he pushed her into the neighbor’s pool at a party. She made sure he knew he was wrong then!

As all who knew Sandi can certainly attest, her family was the center of her life. She and David were overjoyed to welcome their two children, Connie and Mike, into their hearts and home. Dedicated to her family above all else, Sandi put her career on hold to focus on her kids in 1968. Ever present in Mike and Connie’s lives, Sandi cheered them on at every softball and baseball game, served as a Girl Scout leader, and showed up for them in ways both big and small. Sandi had fond memories of planting huge gardens with her daughter at their home. The annual planting would become a tradition they would continue at Connie’s own home one day. In later years, Sandi returned to the workforce. She was a receptionist at a beauty salon for a time, then worked in customer service at Meijer’s Deli. Sandi’s jobs allowed her to bond with many amazing coworkers, and she truly enjoyed interacting with the customers.

Later in life, Sandi was thrilled to become a grandmother, a great grandmother and even a great-great grandmother. She loved having the grandkids sleep over, and no one could make eggs as fluffy and perfect as Grandma Sandi. The grandchildren took turns staying with Sandi in her camper. She adored her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren more than anything in the world. Sandi was the doting host for many a holiday meal before eventually handing the responsibility off to her daughter, but she was still famous for her homemade gravy and commercial-worthy pies. When she wasn’t surrounded by family, Sandi was usually doing something fun with her dearest friend, Charlotte.

In her spare time, Sandi was a skilled seamstress who loved giving away her creations to loved ones. She made many beautiful dresses for her family, and her handmade mittens, hats, scarves, and blankets made thoughtful Christmas gifts. Sandi often hunted for treasures at garage sales. One summer, she bought tons of things from local garage sales, then turned around and sold it all for a profit. Gardening was one of Sandi’s biggest passions, and her home was surrounded by fruit trees. She filled her pantry with home-grown vegetables and put together beautiful floral arrangements. Some of Sandi’s favorite foods included brown sugar Pop Tarts, Chex Mix, and graham crackers, and she always had to have her black tea. She was particularly known for weaving captivating stories, and stretching the truth a bit more each time she retold them.

When looking back on the overflowing life of Sandra Sackett, it is easy to celebrate a woman so dedicated to caring for others in ways big and small. As a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great - great grandmother she treasured her family above all else, and her selflessness has touched so many lives. Although life will not be the same without Sandi here, she leaves her legacy of kindness and generosity with the loved ones she has trusted to carry it on in her footsteps.

Sandra Sackett of Kalamazoo, age 87, died on September 2, 2026. Sandi was born August 24, 1939. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Zelda Kauffman; siblings: Doris Brownell, Doug Hanover, Irene Lorkowski, Phyllis Mills, Dan Mills, Shirley Tuttle Young, Phil Slaughter, and Charlotte Johnson; former husband, David Sackett; and special friend, Charlotte Gettys.

Surviving are her children: Constance (Simon) Rolan and Michael Sackett; grandchildren: Tamara (Jerrell) Joyce, Cerise Bloodworth, Gregory Harris Jr.(Bailee), Kiesha Harris, Nikia Harris, Kiara Harris, Kianna Harris, and Takarra Harris; great-grandchildren: Kalaya White, Corionna White, Dajuan Davis, Anajah Davis, Jerrell Joyce Jr., Jerriona Joyce, Dominic Joyce, Sharyaha Webster, Damari Lawler, Deontre Lawler, Donte Lawler, Sire Bell, Breeani Harris, Berlynn Harris, Gregory Harris III, Qiarie Blanks, Daquary Blanks III, Giovianni Offord, Kasani Harris; great-great-grandchild, Jusara Wilson; siblings: Dewey Warner, Donna “Lucy” Morris, Colleen LeMieux, and Larry Mills; and many nieces and nephews and close friends.

Please join us for a Life Story Visitation on Thursday, September 10, from 10 AM – 11 AM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. A Life Story Service will begin at 11 AM at the funeral home. A reception will follow at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 1332 Branch Street, Kalamazoo. Celebrate Sandi’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fraternal Order of Eagles # 526 Women’s Auxilliary.