Sandra L. McCuen

Sandra (Sandy) L. McCuen, age 82, passed away on April 12, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on May 25, 1943, in Lake Forest, Illinois, to the late Paul Davis LaHue and Lorena Johnson LaHue.

At the age of 15, Sandy accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior during an evangelistic crusade, beginning a lifelong journey of faith that would guide her every step. Her deep and abiding faith remained central throughout her life, and she devoted herself to serving others through ministries such as Bible Study Fellowship, her church communities, and The Great Banquet, where she faithfully served on many teams and shared her testimony through presentations.

Sandy grew up in Indianapolis and graduated from Broad Ripple High School in 1961. She continued her education at Ball State University and Purdue University. It was not long, however, before she discovered her true calling—teaching and nurturing young children. She began this work at the Indianapolis Day Nursery, where her compassion and natural gift for connecting with children quickly became evident.

In 1966, Sandy married her high school sweetheart, Stephen McCuen, and the two began their life together in Lafayette, Indiana. There, she joined the Head Start program, helping young children build strong foundations for learning. Later that same year, she was hired by Battle Ground Elementary School to open and teach a new kindergarten class in the former Knights of Pythias building. She poured her heart into that work for several years before devoting herself to raising her own family.

In 1969, Sandy and her family returned to Indianapolis, where she became active in the Indianapolis Day Nursery Auxiliary (now Early Learning Indiana). Her lifelong dedication to children continued through her many years teaching in Bible Study Fellowship and in several church communities. Her faith, patience, and gentle spirit shaped countless young lives.

Sandy loved traveling with her husband, exploring new places and creating memories that became treasured stories for her family. She will be remembered for her kindness, her quiet strength, and the deep love she held for her family and for the children she taught.

Sandy is survived by her husband of sixty years, Stephen McCuen; her son, Geoffrey (Michelle) McCuen; her daughter, Melissa (Brian) Nicholson; her grandchildren, Mackenzie Nicholson, Malashia (Austin) Lee, and Toby Nicholson; and her brother, Larry LaHue.

Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched—with gentleness, generosity, and unwavering love.

A visitation for Sandy will be held from 11 am – 1 pm, on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Flanner Buchanan – Hamilton Memorial Park (Prairie Waters), 4180 Westfield Road, Westfield, IN 46062, with a funeral service to follow at 1 pm. Entombment will occur at Hamilton Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Sandy’s memory to Early Learning Indiana.