Sandra A. "Sandy" Kochan

1946 - 2016

NORTHAMPTON – Sandra A. (Skowronek) Kochan, 69, of Northampton, passed away peacefully Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, at Linda Manor Nursing Home, with her loving husband by her side.

She was born Feb. 3, 1946, in Northampton, to the late Stanley and Anna (Povilatis) Skowronek. Sandra had attended Northampton schools and graduated "Pro Merito Honor Society" from Northampton High School in 1963. Sandy and her husband Dave grew up in Northampton together, and while he attended the University of Massachusetts, Sandra attended Fitchburg State College where she graduated in 1967 with a degree in nursing.

After college, Sandy and two of her friends from college headed to Hawaii to pursue nursing jobs. They were finally successful in securing nursing jobs at a sanatorium in the mountains of Maui. She once described the island as, "sunshine, showers, black beaches and double or triple rainbows everyday".

In 1968, she returned home to Northampton and began a career with the Town of Amherst in their board of health department as a senior health nurse overseeing the towns nursing responsibilities. Dave returned home from serving in the United States Army in 1972, and they soon begin dating, from there they fell in love and later were married Sept. 17, 1973.

In 1978, she applied for a job as a school nurse at Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School. She decided that she wanted to start teaching nursing at the school; she received her certification and taught for several years before retiring in 1996 from the Northampton School system.

Upon her retirement, Sandy took an interest in the game of golf, learning to play at Pine Grove Golf Club in Northampton. She also became a member of Hickory Ridge Country Club in Amherst. Because of Sandy and Dave's mutual interest in golf they traveled to Myrtle Beach, and she played several tournaments throughout the state. While playing golf, Sandra made beautiful friendships with several of her fellow players. She continued playing till her health began to fail.

Not one to sit for long, she took a part time job in Florence, billing for anesthesiologists. She worked for 10 more years before finally retiring in 2009.

In 2014, Sandy became a resident at Linda Manor due to her declining health. Everyone there appreciated her quick wit, sense of humor and her wonderful laugh. She enjoyed the activity room, especially on Bingo days. Despite Sandy's health issues she was an inspiration to all the staff. She made it her number one goal, with the help of her aides, to surprise and be able to dance with her husband on their 42nd anniversary to their wedding song; "Can't Help Falling in Love", by Elvis. She accomplished this goal with her determination and love.

Sandra will be sadly missed by her adoring husband, family and all the friends she has met throughout her life. She is survived by her devoted husband Dave Kochan of Northampton, and several nieces and nephews as well as her extended family and friends.

Besides her parents, she was also predeceased by her two brothers, John and Edward.

There are no calling hours, the service and burial will be at the convenience of the family. Drozdal Funeral Home of Northampton is in charge of her arrangements.

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