Sandra "Sandy" Joy Mogelvang

Naples - Sandra "Sandy" Joy Mogelvang, affectionately known as Grandmommy, passed away peacefully on Sept. 5, 2025, at her home in Naples, Fla. She was 84. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Grandmommy's life was defined by her love of family, her steadfast faith, and her unwavering devotion to nurturing and supporting those she cherished most.

Born Sept. 30, 1940, in Albuquerque, N.M., Sandy grew up with a bright mind, a gentle spirit, and an adventurous heart. She excelled in school, was an accomplished pianist, and earned countless Girl Scout badges under the guidance of her mother. By the end of eighth grade, she had traveled to both coasts and as far south as Key West, collecting mementos - rocks, postcards, and View-Master reels - that reflected her curiosity and love of the world.

Her family moved to Clearwater, Fla., in 1954, where she thrived academically and as a student leader, graduating from Clearwater High School with high honors. She earned an associate degree from St. Petersburg Community College and a bachelor's degree in teaching from the University of Florida in 1962.

That same year, she met Leonard Mogelvang, and they married in 1963. Sandy taught high school in Starke, Fla., supporting her husband through medical school while raising their first child. She poured her heart into raising her four children, creating a home filled with love, encouragement, and steadfast guidance. The family matriarch devoted her days to nurturing her family, ensuring her children felt supported, loved, and guided by her quiet wisdom and gentle spirit.

In 1975, the family moved to Naples, Fla., where Sandy continued to manage the household while supporting her husband's medical practice. She balanced the demands of the practice while raising four children, embodying grace under pressure. Her greatest joy, however, was being Grandmommy. She adored her 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, delighting in little surprises tucked around the house and leaving thoughtful touches that brought smiles to their faces. At the family's historic Townsend cabin in Valle Crucis, N.C., she preserved its history with care and shared it lovingly with her grandchildren. Holidays, especially Christmas, became magical under her touch, with sparkling decorations, homemade treats, and joyful traditions that created memories to last a lifetime.

Grandmommy's life was guided by faith. A devoted member of Grace Lutheran Church in Naples for more than 50 years, she led by example - humble, gentle, and unwavering. She shared her love of reading, music, nature, and her beloved Labradors, always nurturing her family's hearts and spirits.

Sandy's love, grace, and wisdom were felt in every part of family life - in stories told around the dinner table, books read aloud to her grandchildren, quiet prayers offered in the morning, and warm encouragement shared at every milestone. She celebrated achievements, comforted disappointments, and made everyone around her feel cherished and supported.

She was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Leonard Paul Christian Mogelvang, MD; her parents, Everette Paul Gillespie of Ambia, Ind., and Ruby Marie (Drake) Gillespie of Paris, Ill.; and her brothers, Norris Penny and Robert Penny.

Grandmommy is survived by her daughter Kimberly Gonder (Scot); son Christian Mogelvang (Kami Jo); daughter Melanie Hovland (Patrick Ruff); son Erik Mogelvang (Cindy); 12 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and her sister-in-law Anne Juergensen (Walter). They will remember Sandy for her love, her guidance, and her gentle, unwavering presence as Grandmommy.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Grace Lutheran Church, 860 Banyan Blvd., Naples, FL.