Sandra Ann Moss

Sandra(Sandy) Ann Moss, beloved mother, grandmother, wife, and friend, passed peacefully in the early morning hours of April 10, 2026. She was born on January 21, 1952, in Syracuse, New York, to her parents Doris and Burton Westcott.

Sandy lived a life defined by compassion, resilience, and deep devotion to others. A proud Navy veteran, she carried her strength and sense of service throughout her life. She later pursued her passion for understanding people and the world by earning a degree in anthropology from Sonoma State University, an education that reflected her natural curiosity, empathy, and appreciation for the human experience.

She was married to Richard Wilson Moss, her partner of over 50 years in life and love. Together, they built a life rooted in connection, family, and enduring affection.

Sandy is survived by her daughter, Emily Luchtenberg (Abe), and son, Shelley Moss (Bridget), and her cherished grandchildren, Nicholas Ferrell and Riley Moss. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who will remember her warmth, humor, and cheer.

To those who knew her best, Sandy was more than her accomplishments. She was a force of love. She gave endlessly of herself, often placing the needs of others before her own. She was a provider, a protector, and the heart of her family. She raised her children in a matriarchal home where strength, independence, and compassion were not just taught, but lived.

Her daughter, Emily, shared these words in reflection of her life and legacy:

“My sweet mom asked me to write about her legacy a week ago. I suspect she was eager to hear that she had done a good job in life. Self-validation needs are strong in my family. I, myself, struggle daily in seeking the approval of others. Like my mother, I am a people pleaser, a giver, and even sometimes an enabler. It is so easy for us women to rescue our loved ones and sadly neglect ourselves. It is so easy for us to solve everyone else's problems, yet forget about our own essential needs. So we rescue, rescue, rescue, and sometimes all we desire is simple recognition, not to boost our egos, but to let us know we are good and we are doing enough. Because in our world, it is never enough.”

“My mother gave the world to everyone. I am so grateful my mother taught me to give my heart to others. She taught me strength lies in vulnerability. She taught me that crying and sensitivity are okay. She showered us in unconditional love. Sometimes it came with a strong opinion or a guilt trip, but it was still unconditional. She respected our choices without judgment. She raised me in a matriarchy. She was our provider. She was our savior. She was my high school friend's worst enemy and best friend. She challenged us, but put a firm hand down when we were ridiculous, to keep us safe and sane.”

“My father told her he is forever floating on a boat with her down the river. My father is romantic. My father, the poet. My message to her: perhaps he is floating with you, Mom, but it is my hope you float with him by choice and free will and not because you put yourself second. I know you love him dearly, but I also understand the desire for true freedom from the confines of what society expects us to be as women, as mothers, and as wives. I hope you float, but you also have the ability to fly once in a while, far away, only to return swooping down to land upon my father's bald head and to give him another kiss.”

“Mom, you did an amazing job. Your legacy is through Shelley Moss and me and your beautiful grandchildren. I would gladly climb back into your womb and be born again and again with you as my mom.”

Sandy’s life was one of giving, loving, and shaping those around her into stronger, more compassionate people. Her legacy is not only in her family, but in every life she touched with her kindness, honesty, and unwavering heart.

She will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and endlessly loved.