Sandra "Sandy" Louise (Oswald) Van Wassenhove of Ft. Myers, FL passed away peacefully in her home on January 21, 2022. She was 73 years old.

Sandy was born on December 3, 1948 in Columbus, OH, to Walter "Ozzy" and Eleanor "Betty" (Teal) Oswald. Sandy lost her mother at an early age and spent significant time as a young adult with her aunt, Garnet Shriner. Sandy married her husband Chuck, on September 19, 1970, and they had three children, Amy, Mike and Steve. The family moved to Mason, OH, where Sandy raised her family while also working as a seamstress (usually all the night before the work was due!) and later as a receptionist for a local drug rehabilitation facility. She later retired to Ft. Myers in 2012, where she spent her time enjoying afternoons with friends, swimming in the pool, and drinking a glass (or two) of Chardonnay. Sandy loved the beach and the water, and never missed a chance to get close to either.

Sandy was endlessly compassionate and incredibly inquisitive. She was the focal point for all familial knowledge and updates – deeply invested in what was going on in your life and how that impacted you. A patient listener, Sandy had an innate ability to hear your story, and help you see the best path forward. She collected pictures and stories and every family gathering started with Sandy "catching us up" on what our cousins, aunts, and uncles were doing and where they were living. She always ensured we knew where our family was and gave us a feeling of connection to relatives scattered all over the country.

Sandy loved to travel and see new places. She was as at home in Hawaii as much as she was in New York, though never happier than when she was in her own pool in the backyard. She will be remembered as a loving wife, caring mother, compassionate friend, and incredibly invested in the life of every person she met.

Sandy is survived by her husband of 51 years, Chuck; her daughter Amy (Stan) McIntire; sons Mike (Jennifer) Van Wassenhove and Steve Van Wassenhove; her beloved grandchildren Emma McIntire, Austin McIntire and Juliet Van Wassenhove; brother Mike (Debi); sister Barb (Trom); step-sisters Kathy and Jeanie; sisters-in-law Sue Van Wassenhove and Mary Joan Denomme and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

All are welcome to celebrate Sandy's life. A small gathering will be held locally on Friday, January 28, 2022.  Family and friends closer to Sandy's former home in Ohio can join us at Willie's Sports Café, 19325 Schmarr Road, Lawrenceburg, IN from 1:00 to 5:00 pm on Saturday, February 12, 2022. The family asks in lieu of flowers, if inclined, to please make a donation to Golisano Children's Hospital of SW Florida ( https://leehealthfoundation.org/golisano-childrens-hospital/ ), where Sandy volunteered her time.