Sandra M. Grupe

Sandra M. Grupe, of Ballston Spa, NY, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loving family.
Sandy was born on February 13, 1938, in Ballston Spa to Joseph Franzen and Lenore (Bradt) Franzen. She grew up in Burnt Hills and attended Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School. We recently learned that she graduated at the top of her class. This fact was not learned until later in life when we ran into a classmate who shared how much he tried to surpass her in the class rankings. This modesty was Sandy's typical MO.
After high school graduation, Sandy worked at General Electric until she married Donald in 1956 and started a family. Throughout her life, Sandy was the consummate homemaker and supporter of the farm life of her family. She cooked from scratch, sewed beautiful clothing, did gardening, and loved crafts, painting, and doing anything artistic. For every family birthday she made beautifully decorated cakes and eventually had a part-time business as word spread of her delicious creations.
Later in life, Sandy worked at Mills Country Store in Harmony Corners until its closure. She really enjoyed her work there as it was known as the community gathering place. Neighbors, farmers, volunteer firemen, and those passing through would often find someone there with which to share a story and a joke or two.
Sandy was also an animal lover. Her reputation must have spread because the farm was often graced with drop-off kittens, cats and even a dog or two. Donald always made sure they made a visit to the veterinarian's office to spay or neuter. And in addition, some of the little ones would coincidentally find their way from the barn to the house, maybe with a little help or because they seemed in need of extra TLC. They always became part of the family.
Sandy is survived by her devoted and loving husband Donald, her children, Clifford Grupe, and Kathleen Grupe Chase (Rick), grandchildren Kevin Jr. (Doris), Justin (Kelly), and Nicole Grupe Solomon (Todd), several great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and her sister-in-law Helen Grupe Cronin. She is preceded in death by her parents, her oldest son, Kevin Sr., and her brother-in-law Carleton Cronin.
Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Thursday, March 27 from 10:00am to Noon at Armer Funeral Home, Inc., 39 East High Street, Ballston Spa. A service will immediately follow at Noon at the funeral home. Burial will be at Sweetman Cemetery in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saratoga County Animal Shelter or any animal rescue organization.
The family wishes to express gratitude to several caregivers including Heidi Setzer, Chrissy Stangle, and the Community Hospice of Saratoga Staff.