Sandra Frankel

Galena, Maryland – Sandra Nowland Frankel, lovingly known as Sandy, or San, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2025. Born in Wilmington, Delaware, on May 16, 1947, she was the youngest child of Clarence L. Nowland and Jean Mischler Nowland.

Sandy married her high school sweetheart, S. Lee Frankel, and together they built a life filled with love and devotion. Together they had three children: Steve, Tara and Seth.

Becoming a mother at a young age, Sandy's strength and devotion left a deep and lasting impact on her entire family. She carried a vision for what they could become long before they could see it themselves. While Lee pursued a career, she pursued something even greater: the highest goals for Lee, Steve, Tara, and Seth.

Long before design shows and Pinterest boards, she had the vision to see possibilities where others saw only walls and weeds; she was the original HGTV. With a non-traditional career path, Sandy oversaw and contributed to the design and construction of countless custom homes and renovations across several states-including Delaware, Maryland, Florida, and South Carolina. Coming from a family deeply rooted in residential and commercial construction, she brought her own unique eye to each project, adding personal touches through her love of antique furniture restoration and other artisan crafts. Her drive wasn't just about building homes-it was about building a life full of opportunity, creativity, and purpose.

She valued education deeply and thoughtfully sought out the best schools for each of her children, recognizing and supporting their individual needs and potential. That same thoughtful care extended into every part of her life-she refurbished and reupholstered furniture, designed and sewed clothes, and had a deep love of gardening; naked ladies and elephant ears will forever remind us of her.

Her creativity was endless. The family's "beach house" in the Henlopen Acres marina-fondly named "The Ruddy Duck"-was one of many canvases for Sandy's imagination. Whether it was transforming the backyard into an ice rink during a blizzard, converting the basement into a roller-skating rink, or building a craft room, Sandy was forever finding ways to foster a fun and youthful environment.

It was her encouragement that later led Lee to accept a position in Rehoboth Beach, allowing their family to move permanently to the place they all loved. There, Sandy and Lee continued to build and design many homes throughout the town-one of which her grandchildren warmingly call "The Chocolate House." Along with design, Sandy was a gracious host who loved to entertain-cheese and nachos were staples, and a gin and tonic was never far from reach.

She adored her grandchildren, George, Jack, Chipper, and Lebby, and created unforgettable memories with each of them. Lovingly known to them as "Nanna," she always greeted her grandchildren with a warm hug and a kiss on the cheek the moment they walked through the door. They will forever remember her quick wit, her eye for design, and, of course, her famous red leather couches-just ask any of them; there are countless group photos taken there. Her grandchildren carry forward her sense of adventure-and her deep appreciation for a good sub.

Alongside Sandy's love for adventure, she and Lee spent many years of their marriage exploring the world together. In addition to visiting numerous states across the U.S., their travels took them to Jamaica, the Bahamas, and several regions of Mexico-including Cancún, Tulum, Puerto Vallarta, and Zihuatanejo-as well as to Spain, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar.

Above all, Sandy was strong and fiercely independent. She took pride in doing things herself and rarely asked for help. In her final years, accepting care did not come easily-but true to his promise, Lee, her devoted husband of 60 years, ensured she remained at home, by his side, until near the end.

She loved her family deeply and took pride in each and every one of them. Her spirit lives on in the spaces she created and the lives she shaped.

Sandy was predeceased by her parents, as well as her siblings: Ralph L. Nowland, H. Thomas Nowland, and Doris Nowland Lotz.

She is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, S. Lee Frankel; son Steven L. Frankel (Lisa) of Centerville; daughter Tara Frankel Becker (Jay) of Rehoboth Beach; and son Seth L. Frankel of Ocean View, DE. Sandy is also survived by her four grandchildren: George S. Frankel of Wilmington, John L. Frankel of Centerville, and Charles M. "Chipper" Becker II of Rehoboth Beach and Elizabeth Lee "Lebby" Becker of Rehoboth Beach.

In honor of Sandy's wishes, services will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity in her memory.