Sandra Jane Kemper

"To see a World in a Grain of Sand,

And a Heaven in a Wild Flower,

Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand,

And Eternity in an hour."

William Blake

Sandra Jayne Kemper was born on a golden summer day, July 22, 1965, in San Jose, California. A true child of sunshine, she thrived in the warm embrace of California's endless summers, drawn to the adventure that water, sun, and wide-open skies brought her. She was a beautiful spirit from the beginning, her heart ever curious, ever bold.

She cherished being part of a big, loving family. Born as the fifth child to Howard and Nancy Kemper. Sandra was a bright light, adored by her parents and siblings alike. For a time, she was the baby sister, the one everyone doted on, until a beautiful new little sister joined the family. Suddenly, Sandra had the joyful role of being a big sister, a title she embraced with love and care. Her bond with her sisters was deep and unbreakable, filled with laughter, shared memories, and endless affection. She was treasured by all of them, just as she held them dearly in her heart.

An exceptional student, Sandra's brilliance shone early, earning her a place in gifted programs where her love of learning flourished. She graduated from Andrew Hill High School in San Jose, ready to embrace the world and all its wonders.

Sandra's passion for travel was one of her most defining qualities. She began her career at Classic Hawaii, where she wove dreams of paradise, not just for others but for herself and her loved ones. Through her work, she ventured to the Hawaiian Islands time and again, creating unforgettable memories, including a cherished trip with her parents. Her love of exploration led her across the globe-Spain, Portugal, England, France, and Italy, each place leaving its mark on her soul. Along the way, Sandra built lifelong friendships, treasures that remained with her through all the twists and turns of her journey.

Looking for a change from the travel industry, Sandra sought stability and found a new home at the Santa Clara County District Attorney's office. What began as a search for job security blossomed into so much more. Here, she found a community and a new path-pursuing her college education while working, all the while discovering a love for running with the Red Divas. Her years in San Jose were filled with the joy of new friendships, thrilling shows at the San Jose Arena, and a deep passion for hockey, especially her beloved San Jose Sharks.

In 2015, Sandra took a brave leap, leaving behind the life she had known for a new adventure in New York City. The city's pulse matched her own, vibrant and full of possibility. Here, she immersed herself in the world of film, working with prestigious festivals, and mingling with some of the most influential directors, producers, and actors of our time. Sandra traded the comfort of familiarity for a life rich with art, culture, and literature-NYC had captured her heart.

Her academic journey called her next to the UK, where she was accepted into Sussex University in Brighton. Here, she pursued her studies with her characteristic passion, pouring her heart into her dissertation on William Blake. Sandra proudly earned her Bachelor's Degree in English Literature from CUNY Brooklyn in 2019, a triumph that was just one of many in her remarkable life.

Drawn to the charm of Boise, Idaho, Sandra made it her next home. She fell in love with her downtown apartment, the Boise Art Museum, and the Steelheads hockey team. She gave back to her new community, volunteering at the Boise Botanical Garden, a sanctuary that brought her peace. Sandra also found fulfillment in her work at Intuit, where she embraced the company's ethos of care and generosity.

In May 2022, Sandra faced her greatest battle with unimaginable grace and strength. Diagnosed with both stage 1 endometrial cancer and stage 4 colon cancer, she tackled the challenge head-on, determined to find the best care and remain hopeful. This journey brought her back to New York City, where she chose to fight at MSK, surrounded by the vibrancy of a city she adored. Through every difficulty, Sandra's spirit never wavered. She continued to live fully, relishing every concert, every museum visit, every moment in Central Park. Her apartment on the Upper West Side was a dream realized, a place where she cherished life's precious minutes.

On September 18, 2024, Sandra passed peacefully into heaven, held in the loving arms of her family and welcomed by her Savior, Jesus. Her family was with her until the very end, a testament to the deep bonds of love that sustained her throughout her life.

Sandra's beautiful spirit, filled with adventure, compassion, and joy, will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched. Her life was an extraordinary journey, and she will be dearly missed.

Sandra is survived by her family: Thomas Kemper, Teri Stites, Tina Mary Lopez, Patricia Totten, and Jody Dimas. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard Kemper and Nancy Garcia

Celebration of Life services in San Jose and Boise to be announced.

In her honor, donations can be made to either:

The Gilda Radner, Red Door Donate online

https://reddoorcommunity.org/donate-now/

Send a check made payable to "Red Door Community"

Mailing address: 195 West Houston Street, New York, NY 10014

American Cancer Society

https://www.cancer.org/donate.html

United Cerebral Palsy

https://ucp.org/

Celebration of Life in San Jose, CA
October 20, at 1 pm
Rancho Santa Teresa Clubhouse
286 Sorrento Way
San Jose, CA 95119

Memorial Services on October 23, 2024 at 3:00 pm for Sandra Kemper
St Michael's Episcopal Cathedral
518 N 8th Street
Boise, ID 83702