Sandra Knudsen

Sandra Knudsen NEWTON Sandra "Sandy" Knudsen, 65, of Claremont, passed away Saturday, March 31, 2012 at her daughter's residence in Hickory. Born March 21, 1947 in York County, Pa., she was the daughter of Sara Garner Snyder of York, Pa., and the late Richard Snyder. Sandy was a strong woman of faith and was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Startown where she loved to serve her Lord. She was a Sunday school teacher and member of the Seekers class. Sandy sang in the choir, played hand bells, was a communion assistant and enjoyed serving those who were homebound. Sandy was a loving mother who made many sacrifices for her daughters throughout her life. In 1984, her husband of 13 years, Ernest C. Knudsen, died at an early age and Sandy raised her two daughters on her own. Her courage, faith, and strength amidst life's trials have been an inspiration for not only her daughters, but to many others. In addition to her mother, survivors include her daughters and sons-in-law, Kirsten and Bryan Blanton of Hickory and Morgan Casanova of Claremont; granddaughter, Isabella Casanova; and brother, Richard C. Snyder, Jr. of Greenbrier, Tenn. A service of remembrance and celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 3, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Startown. Revs. Kenneth Tonneson and Brad Thie will officiate. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Palliative CareCenter & Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Rd., Newton, NC 28658; to Friendship United Methodist Church, Go-Ye Fund, P.O. Box 1373, Newton, NC 28658; or to St. Paul Lutheran Church-Startown, 3761 Startown Rd., Newton, NC 28658. Condolences may be sent to the Knudsen family at drumfuneralhome. com. The Knudsen family has entrusted arrangements to Willis-Reynolds Funeral Home & Crematory in Newton.