Sandy Jane Zachary

1946 - 2023

Sandy left us for Heaven on August 16, 2023, after an eight-year battle with cancer. Even though she had rid herself of tumors twice before, the Cancer returned, and despite all medical efforts, won the final round. Sandy was the first born to Burt and Betty Wade in Anniston, AL, on June 12, 1946. The family moved to CA when Sandy was 6 years old. Traci, Sandy's sister, was born in 1960. She worked as a telephone operator for Los Angeles County and then became the Communications Manager for the Little Company of Mary Hospital in Torrance. Sandy had three children, Michael and Kimberly and Kristina. In 1981, Sandy married long-time family friend Neil Zachary, a widower with three sons, Todd, Brian, and Kevin. The entire family lived in Westlake Village, CA until moving to Sacramento with Kristina in 1990. There, they were very active in Holy Trinity Catholic Church in El Dorado Hills. Neil became an ordained Deacon for the Catholic Diocese of Sacramento, in 2000, and Sandy was very active in the Church. Sandy worked full-time at Sacramento Municipal Utilities District and was active in the P.E.O. Sorority in the El Dorado Hills area. After Neil and Sandy both retired in 2003, they remained in El Dorado Hills for several years until they moved to Williamsburg, VA, in 2013. As members of Saint Olaf's Catholic Church, they were again very active as a deacon couple. Sandy switch chapters with her P.E.O. Sorority and joined a chapter in Williamsburg. In her free time, Sandy enjoyed reading, cooking, traveling and movies, as well as playing cards and games. Sandy and Neil had a close blended family with their six children: Michael, Todd, Kim, Brian, Kevin, and Kristina (Kristina sadly predeceased Sandy in 2022). In addition to her loving husband Neil and 5 surviving children, Sandy is survived by daughters-in-law Karen, Sheri and Pam as well as their 15 grandchildren: Michelle, Brandon, Kellie, Brett, Sarah, Christopher, Kristin, Kaitlin, Kate, Destinee, Andrew, Emma, Sydney, Eric, and Piper and 3 great grandchildren (Layla, Gianna, and Peter) who live all across the United States. For 42 years, Neil and Sandy travelled extensively and have a group of close friends who will miss Sandy's always present smile and wonderful personality. Since death, Sandy is part of the ever-present Holy Spirit and will be with us as part of that Spirit. Sandy's body will be cremated in Williamsburg. There will be a Catholic Mass and Memorial Celebration conducted at St. Olaf's Catholic Church, 104 Norge Lane, Williamsburg, VA, on September 23, 2023. Visitation will be at 10:00 AM with Mass beginning at 11:00 AM. She will be laid to rest in the new Columbarium at St. Olaf's following Mass. There will be a reception with lunch served to celebrate Sandy's life held at St. Olaf's after the Columbarium ceremonies. Online condolences may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.