Sandra J. Checchi

1936 - 2023

Sandra (Waehner) Checchi, 86, of Charlottesville, Virginia, passed away on March 10, 2023, after a valiant battle with (AML) Leukemia. She was born on July 26, 1936 in Chicago, Ill., the daughter of Rudolph and Rose Waehner. She was preceded in death by her parents and younger brother, Glenn Waehner.

Sandra is survived by her husband, Frank Checchi; and her two loving daughters, Cheryl Bryant (Steve), and Carrie Blake (David). She was the proud grandmother of three beautiful grandchildren; Eric Bryant, Kimberly Bryant, and Kurt Rittberg.

Sandra was born in Chicago, Ill., grew up in Fremont, Mich., and graduated from Skidmore College with a degree in Economics. She met Frank Checchi, her husband of 61 years in Scarsdale, N.Y. They spent most of their life together in Charlottesville with their two daughters. She owned and managed her family's summer resort on Lake George in the Adirondack Mountains for over 30 years. Sandra was a devout Christian her entire life, and shared her love for the Lord by loving and supporting others, volunteering at various churches throughout her life, was a handbell director and member, and enjoyed playing the Tympani in the Aldersgate wind ensemble.

Sandra was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend to all. She fought AML Leukemia for two years and 10 months, and always stayed positive and grounded in her faith. She truly was a role model for her strength, determination, and perseverance. She always had a smile on her face no matter what she was dealing with. Her legacy will live on in the lives of the many people who were privileged to have known her.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, April 16, 2023, at 12:45 p.m. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1500 Rio Road E, Charlottesville, VA 22901. Reception to follow.