Sandra Leigh Hamadanchi

Sandra Leigh Hamadanchi, 65, of Saint Joseph, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 30, 2026 at her home in Saint Joseph. She was born June 5, 1960 in Jackson, MI to Donald and Vera (Pilch) Ayres.

The family will receive guests from 1pm until time of celebration of life at 2pm, Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2560 Niles Rd., Saint Joseph, Pastor Jim Wright officiating. Sandra will be laid to rest, privately, at North Shore Memory Gardens, Coloma. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in her name may do so to the Humane Society of Southwest Michigan, www.humanesocietyswm.org

From a very young age, Sandra embraced the role of caregiver-a role she fulfilled selflessly throughout her life. Her dedication and devotion to family, whether she was caring for her mother, tending to animals, supporting her children, or working with her husband to create a successful business, was rock-steady despite numerous health challenges during the last fifteen years.
With all the obstacles she was given in life, Sandra shared an attitude of resilience and strength. Despite battling multiple illnesses for over a decade, she never stopped fighting or living her life with grace. She had a great sense of humor and a quick wit.

In her spare time, you could often find Sandra taking beach walks at Warren Dunes with her husband and two dogs, searching for beach glass to add to her collection. She was an avid rock collector. She was also an avid dog and cat lover who shared a deep connection with her animals. Her superpower was baking and cooking. She never disappointed with her culinary creations. Her specialty was surprising family members with delicious birthday cakes every year.

Though Sandra cared deeply for many things in life, nothing meant more to her than her family, especially her beloved grandchildren.

Sandra will be missed by her husband of 46 years, Hossein Hamadanchi; her children, Rebecca (Wyn) Mathews, Brandon Hamadanchi, and Nicholas (Megan Mousseau) Hamadanchi; her grandchildren, Miles, Kason, and Weston Mathews, and Alexis Reed; her siblings, Cindy (the late Norm) DeHuff, Michael (Holly) Ayres, and Chris (Dawn) Ayres; and her step-mother, Marti Ayres.

She is preceded in death by her parents.