Sandra Lynn Thomas

1963 - 2024

Sandra Lynn Thomas

October 18, 1963 - March 28, 2024

Everson, Washington - Sandra Lynn Thomas (Schreifels) made her journey to Heaven on March 28th, 2024. She was with her daughter Lauren and her husband, Doug who was holding her hand when she passed at 11:11pm that evening. She endured a courageous battle with brain cancer and is finally at peace.

Sandy was born October 18, 1963, in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. She moved with her family shortly thereafter to Santa Maria, California before settling in the Skagit Valley until 1989. She then met Doug Thomas and moved to Seattle where they were married on July 28th, 1990. Doug and Sandy relocated to Cuyahoga Falls, OH following Doug's job opportunities. They built a home and welcomed Lauren into the family on March 16th, 1992. Six weeks later, Doug, Sandy and Lauren returned to Washington to be closer to family while Doug began his career at Bellingham Cold Storage.

Sandy is survived by her husband Doug Thomas (Everson WA) and daughter, Lauren Thomas (Kirkland WA), brother, Barry Schreifels, wife, Celine, nephew, Henri, niece, Celeste, (Newberry Park CA), Sisters Heidi Schreifels, (Spokane, WA) and Lisa Schreifels (West Hollywood, CA). Sandy is also survived by her father-in-law, Stew Thomas (Bellingham, WA), brother in laws Kevin (Kerry) Thomas, Mark (Gretchen) Thomas and sister-in-law, Kim Gauthier (Mike). Sandy was a loving aunt to Kyle, Ryan, Amy, Bri, Keith, Anthony, Ashley, Cole, Henri and Celeste and their spouses and children. Sandy prioritized her family and closest friends; maintaining those relationships was one of her strongest qualities.

Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, Bud and Maggie Schreifels (Burlington, WA) and mother-in-law, Beverly Thomas, (Bellingham, WA).

Sandy attended Roosevelt Elementary, Lucille Umbarger Elementary, and Burlington-Edison High School in Burlington, WA graduating in 1981. In 2010 Sandy graduated Suma Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History from WSU where she was recognized as a Presidential Scholar during commencement.

Sandy was an incredibly hard worker throughout her life. She picked berries and cucumbers as a youth in Skagit Valley, dedicated 10 years to Burlington Glass, then worked at OSC Vocational Services (Bothell, WA), Consolidated Plastics, (Twinsburg, OH) and Lancôme Cosmetics (Bellingham, WA), before returning to complete her college degree with WSU. She became a dedicated philanthropist, prioritizing finding a cure for Juvenile Diabetes where she focused on advocating with Senators and Representatives in Washington DC while also leading fundraising efforts for her daughter, Lauren's JDRF Beat the Bridge Teams. Sandy volunteered at the Bellingham School District office most significantly leading and preparing the teacher appreciation luncheons and helping in the office. Sandy also served on the Bellingham Superintendent Parent Advisory Board. She was a big sister, for Big Brothers Big Sisters, volunteered at Christ the Servant Church and Catch the Son School. Sandy also served on the WSU funds allocation committee which determined the distribution of general donor gifts to on-campus organizations. Sandy exhibited a lifetime of giving back to others and her communities and this is just a short list of the projects she impacted.

Sandy led an active lifestyle; she played volleyball in high school and intermural softball. She rode horses in Pony Club, the quarter horse circuit, participated in 4-H, was a Rodeo Princess and barrel racer. Sandy enjoyed boot-camp work-outs and hiking trails throughout the balance of her life. Her favorite trails were Pinnacle Peak, Balancing Rock and Camel Back Mountain in Scottsdale AZ, and Oyster Dome in Whatcom County. Sandy led a happy and healthy life, inspiring others along her way. Sandy and Doug also enjoyed traveling the world several times over, often taking their daughter Lauren with them. They were able to see all corners of the world throughout North and South America, Asia, Europe and Australia. Both Hawaii and Washington DC were favorite and frequent destinations. Doug, Sandy and Lauren established homes in Scottsdale, AZ and Coeur d'Alene, ID where they vacationed often in addition to their home in Everson, WA. Spending time in the San Juan Islands boating, shrimping, crabbing, and fishing was one of their favorite activities with friends and family.

Sandy was a beautiful person both inside and out. Her smile and laugh brightened every space she occupied. She led as the example of how to be a wife, mom, sister, daughter, aunt, and friend. She loved to host and care for those closest around her, continuing on her cherished family traditions. A Celebration of Life will be held to honor Sandy on Sunday April 21st, 2024, between 2:00pm and 4:00pm at the Hotel Bellwether Ballroom located at 1 Bellwether Way in Bellingham, WA.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the Sandy Thomas Memorial Scholarship at Burlington-Edison High School for students who have participated in 4-H, FFA and or athletics who will be continuing their education at Washington State University. https://secure.givelively.org/donate/burlington-edison-education-and-alumni-foundation/sandy-thomas-memorial-scholarship