Mrs. Spence was born on Dec. 1, 1941 in Friendship to Gerald O. and Eva M. (Morris) Skinner. She was a 1959 graduate of Friendship Central School and later earned her Licensed Practical Nursing degree through BOCES. On July 10, 2010, she married her longtime companion of thirty years, Danny Spence, who survives.
Sandra worked in the ASU Department at Jones Memorial Hospital for 20 years until her retirement in 2010. She previously was a quality control technician for Macler Industries in Friendship.
In addition to her husband, Sandra is survived by two sons, Chris (Maureena) Chamberlain and Marc (Christine) Chamberlain, both of Belmont; two daughters, Holly (Dale) Clark and Cindy Chamberlain, both of Friendship; a step-son, Philip (Jennifer) Spence of Pottstown, Pa.; two sisters, Glenda (Phil) Carlson and Jane (Pete) Woodward; and three brothers, Dale (Barb) Skinner, Dean (Shirley) Skinner and Jack (Michelle) Skinner.
Additionally, she is survived by 13 grandchildren, Lindsey Chamberlain, Emily Chamberlain, Brandy (Robert) Cummins, Rachael (Ryan) Dieter, Nicholas Clark, Shane (Angela) Chamberlain, Joseph Chamberlain, Samantha (Jeremy) Ordiway, Noelle Chamberlain, Levi Chamberlain, Isaac Chamberlain, Daniel Spence and Margaret Spence; 17 great grandchildren; her many Manor Hills friends; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Sandra had many interests in life and often used those interests as a way to connect with the people that were most important to her. She had a love of reading and shared that love with her mother by swapping with her the many books they read. She enjoyed cooking and became quite famous with one of her specialties, lasagna. Her family fondly remembers many holiday gatherings at the dinner table enjoying the meals she lovingly created.
When it came to outdoor activities, Sandra had many. She enjoyed canoeing, cross country skiing, working her flower garden and motorcycling. There was no better way to spend time with her husband than on the back of his Harley. In many respects, her long career as a nurse and caregiver was a natural extension of how she interacted and spent time with her friends and family and that included her canine chocolate lab Mindy.
Sandra had strength of character that her children admired and they are thankful for the work ethic she built into their lives.
Sandra faithfully attended Genesis Bible Church in Scio and was a member of Friendship Fire Department and Ambulance Squad.
Visitation will be held on Monday from 5-8 p.m. at Baker-Swan Funeral Home, 3256 Riverside Drive in Wellsville. There will be a private graveside memorial service in Maple Grove Cemetery in Friendship at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions in Sandra’s name may be made to Hart Comfort House of Allegany County, 141 E. State Street, Wellsville, NY 14895.