Sandra J. -Sandi- Vandermark

Sandra Jean Vandermark

On June 15, 2016 Sandra Jean Vandermark found her place in the kingdom of heaven. Sandi was gifted to this world on November 15, 1952 to her parents Cluster and Beatrice Williams. She spent her childhood growing up on her parent’s farm in Fisk, MO learning to fish, picking cotton, working the farm, loving her family, cooking the best food imaginable. It was during the summer of 1968 she became smitten with a young man name Charles D. Vandermark while playing a thrilling game of Kick the Can. Chuck and Sandi became the best of friends and married on August 15th, 1970. They began a family, raising four children with the faith of God, an endless love, and the guidance needed to have a wonderful life. The faith that guided her family was confirmed in 1973 when she was baptized by the General Assembly Church of the First Born. As a loving mother and devoted wife, Sandi spent time supporting her kids’ activities, being a veracious reader, being active in the church, and being an all-around amazing mom and wife. Her love and grace is the glue that bonded the family together.

After having 4 children Sandi began a new journey, with a new family, as she began her career as an educator for the students of MSD Wayne Township. For 27 years she committed her time, love, and energy to making a meaningful impact of the lives of thousands of students, and hundreds of colleagues. At school she was no longer just the mother to 4 children, she became the mother for the many students who needed one. Her compassion, honesty, and love gave students the confidence, the hope, and the motivation needed to succeed. She believed that every child needed a hug and hand to guide them through school and life. She was honored to be those loving arms and guiding hands. Her influence not only made an impact on the students, but her spirit and heart touched the lives of her beloved colleagues at the Ben Davis Ninth Grade Center. She treasured each relationship with every person she worked with and next to. Sandi was a shoulder to cry on, a voice of reason, motherly guidance, a friend, and the laughter needed to survive working with freshmen. She loved her job and her students.

Sandi was the loving matriarch of our large and loving family. Her inspiration and love reaches far beyond the family she loved dearly. Her love will continue to influence and impact the lives of her husband Charles D. Vandermark; her four children Melissa (Andy), Matthew (Sara), Jenny (Dane), and Jessica (Joe); her brother and sisters Mickey, Pam, and Brenda; her brother-in law Mark (Terri); her grandchildren Ryan (Jessica), Matthew (Marisol), Makalyn, Noah, Garrett, Ella, Jack, Spencer, Andrew, and Emmy; her great-grandchildren Ryleigh, Gracyn, Michael; her nieces and nephews Michael, Christopher, Elisabeth, Amanda, Becky, Anna, Christina, Alicia Kay, KJ, Nikki, Anthony; and numerous other great-nieces, and nephews whom she loved dearly.

Sandi’s love for reading was known by many. She loved diving into stories and immersing herself into the amazing stories each book provided. It was not uncommon for her to read 2-3 books in a weekend. She was a regular at the Decatur Township Library and loved her Kindle. In honor of her love of books and children, families may donate children’s books that will later be donated to local school libraries and children’s reading programs. Books may be dropped off at Flanner and Buchanan – Decatur Township, 5463 Kentucky Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana 46221.