Sandra Lee Fortier

Sandra Lee "Sandy" Fortier, age 86, died unexpectedly at Brookdale Memory Care in Ann Arbor, where she had lived since August, 2025.

Despite the need for around-the-clock care, first at her home then later at Brookdale, Sandy believed herself to have been very fortunate. During her final summer at her home of 40 years, she spent hours walking with her wonderful caregivers, enjoying the river, the property, and the wildlife. She said often that she was grateful for her "beautiful, wonderful, exciting, fortunate, adventurous life."

She was blessed with remarkable people both at home and at Brookdale who recognized and appreciated her humor, beauty, generosity, graciousness, and strength. They cared both for and about her, reinforcing Sandy's lifelong faith in humanity.

Sandy loved her family, friends, music and dancing, nature, animals, (specifically and especially dogs and deer…snakes not so much), oceans, lakes, and beaches, the river that flowed in front of her home, the change of seasons, snow, mountains, travel, good food and good wine, flowers, art, anything and everything beautiful.

Sandy was predeceased by her beloved husband, Milt Chace (March 2025).

She is survived by five children, Dan Chace, Ron Chace, Pam (Rick) (Bylsma) Kangas and, Lesley (Peter Rinehart) Chace, Derek (Jennifer Baxtrom) Bylsma; her nine grandchildren, Richard, Tracy, Dillon, and Grey (Abrielle) Kangas, Gabriela Baxtrom, Sophie Chace-Boloor, Sam Chace, and Raine (Grace) and Merisol Rinehart; as well as nine great-grandchildren.

Sandy was a mother and grandmother who loved deeply, generously, and tenderly. She adored babies, loved to provide magic for small children and show the world to kids as they grew older. She shared joy, warmth and humor, experiences, words, and wisdom.

Sandy was born April 9, 1939 in Lincoln Park, Michigan the second and last child of Robert and Pearl (Buchanan) Fortier. Although the family were by no means "well-off," Sandy's parents instilled in her the belief that she was fortunate, and therefore obligated to share what she had. The other strong influence in her young life was her paternal grandmother. Grandma Lillian was divorced then widowed and was on a mission to travel to every state. She traveled with her "gentlemen friends," returned between trips with gifts and stories and was unapologetically bold. The combination resulted in Sandy being a deeply compassionate young woman with a sense of social justice and a drive to experience everything she could. She worked from a young age and saved money so she could go to college, have a career, and travel.

In high school, on a blind date, she met a young man, Don Bylsma, who shared her dreams and ideals. He would become her first husband-right out of high school-and the father of her children, Pamela and Derek.

It was with Don that Sandy first travelled and lived in Europe, and completed most of her college coursework. They ultimately separated, then divorced in the mid-70s but continued to parent together cooperatively and amicably.

Sandy earned her MSW and with it began what would be her lifetime career as a psychotherapist. She was both professionally and financially successful. She began a private practice, took back her maiden name, and found her stride as a single woman.

In 1979, through another blind date, she met Milt Chace. Their first meeting over drinks was underwhelming, but then he suggested a second date canoeing with their daughters. Pure genius on his part. That date was an immediate hit, and they found they had a lot in common: they were both active nature-lovers, they loved travel, adventure, and new experiences. She moved into his house in 1986 and they wed in 1991.

They shared an incredible breadth of experiences. They took up SCUBA, hiked mountains in Bhutan, wind-surfed, and traveled the world. They hosted friends and family, renovated their home, became involved in politics, took up ballroom dancing (a passion she continued and he supported by his continued presence at her competitions and careful feedback about each performance). They also spent quieter time at home enjoying the river, the flowers, and following the dramas of the animal families on the property.

As their aging bodies limited them and they needed more help, they were fortunate to have help from family and others that allowed them to stay in the serenity of their beloved home for many, many years.

As Sandy felt her memory slipping and was sometimes fearful she had a mantra she would repeat to her daughter every time they spoke: "whatever happens we can't have regrets, we've had each other, and we've loved each other, and we've all had blessed lives and we know that, right?"

At the end of the day, this is who Sandy was-grateful, determined, generous, optimistic, loving and brave.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Nie Family Funeral Home, 3767 W. Liberty Road, Ann Arbor, 48103, on Sunday, January 25, 2026. Family and friends are welcome to gather from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm when a memorial service will follow.

Please wear what makes you comfortable…but also…Sandy loved purple.