Sondra Lee Strebel

Sondra Lee “Sandy” Strebel passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on the morning of Saturday, January 31^st. She was 85 years old.

Sandy was born in July 1940 in San Mateo, California, to Edwin and Evelyn Bean. Growing up, she lived in Burlingame, Marin County and San Mateo and later made her home in San Carlos where she lived for more than six decades with her beloved husband, Dick Strebel. Married for 61 years, Sandy and Dick built a life full of love, family, and mischief in the same San Carlos home where Sandy Continued to live following Dick’s passing, until her own.

Before and shortly after her passing, Sandy was surrounded by her family and loved ones. Sandy is survived by her two daughters and their husbands, her brother and two sister-in-laws, her seven grandchildren and their spouses, four great-grandchildren, and numerous other loved ones. 

Sandy was the embodiment of a “people person”— loving, caring, kind, joyful, curious, deeply involved and famously talkative. She had a gift for building connection and made everyone feel welcome. Nothing mattered more to her so much as her family. Nicknamed “Grammy Crackers,” she was extraordinarily involved in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, from their earliest days through adulthood. Some of her happiest memories came from time spent with her loving family at the cabin in Trinity County, California—her favorite place in the world.

Sandy was also a talented artist and potter, creating beautiful paintings and art that reflected her warmth and creativity. She continued to take weekly art lessons right up until the end of her life—a testament to her curiosity, dedication, and lifelong love of learning and self-expression.

Sandy will be remembered for her boundless warmth, her generosity of spirit, and the deep love she gave so freely. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, creativity, and devotion to family that will endure for generations.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity in Sandy’s honor.