Sandra Marie Esper

Sandra Marie Esper (née Zalar), 81, of Vermilion, passed peacefully into the home her Heavenly Father prepared for her on Sunday, September 28, 2025 at Riverview Point Care Center, Olmsted Falls following a lengthy illness.

Born February 8, 1944, in Cleveland, OH, Sandra grew up in Vermilion and graduated from Vermilion High School in 1962. She went on to earn her nursing degree from Mercy School of Nursing in Toledo and devoted her life to caring for others as a Registered Nurse. Her career included serving at several hospitals including the Cleveland Clinic and Lake County West. She later moved into home health care with Staff Builders for 12 years before retiring in 1995.

Ten years ago, Sandra returned to Vermilion after living in Conway, South Carolina. A woman of deep faith, she was a member of St. Mary Catholic Parish. She cherished praise and worship and had actively been involved in Shiloh Place Ministries, Couples in Christ, and Families in Christ. Known for her compassionate spirit, Sandra had a gift for offering a hug at just the right moment, reminding others how deeply they were loved. She also shared her musical talent as a skilled accordion player.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, Kenneth E. Esper of Vermilion; her daughters, Shelly Bransky of Lyndhurst, OH; Deborah (Mark) Giaimo of Medina, OH; and Julie Miller of Broadview Heights, OH; grandchildren, Noah, Mia, Amy, Joshua, and Kaitlin; great granddaughter, Oakley Rose; and her sisters, Jerri Adams of West Palm Beach, FL, and Ivana (Keith) Ford of Newark, OH.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Malvina (née Charest) Zalar; her sister, Malvina Krieg; and her grandson, Kevin.

The family will receive friends on Friday, October 3, 2025 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, OH A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Parish, 731 Exchange St., Vermilion, OH. (Please meet at the church) Inurnment will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to a hospice of the donor's choice or the charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be shared at www.riddlefuneralhome.com