Sandra Mary "Sandy" McKenna

Sandra Mary McKenna, lovingly known as Sandy, passed away on November 26, 2025, in Henderson, Nevada, at the age of 73.
Sandy was born on December 16, 1951, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Lawrence and Constance (Wellens) Vierling. She was raised in Shakopee, Minnesota, where she attended Shakopee High School and St. Margaret's Academy.
On April 3, 1971, Sandy married the love of her life, David Charles McKenna, at St. Mark's Church in Shakopee, Minnesota. Together they shared over 54 years of marriage filled with faith, family, friendship, and adventure.
Sandy lived a life of creativity, service, and love. She enjoyed gardening, painting, sewing, quilting, landscaping, and interior decorating. She had a deep love for the church and cherished the many friendships she formed there. Sandy delighted in time spent with her grandchildren, traveling, taking cruises, watching birds, caring for dogs, hosting potlucks, and playing the game Aggravation with her family.
Throughout her life, Sandy embraced many callings. Her career included work as a file clerk, licensed practical nurse (LPN), mechanical drafter, daycare provider, office manager, interior decorator, and seamstress. Her heart for service led her to missionary work in China and Mongolia. Most recently, she was a founding member and office manager of Immigrant Hope in Mesa, Arizona, where she compassionately helped others navigate new beginnings.
Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Constance Vierling.
She is survived by her beloved husband, David McKenna; her children Allan McKenna (Val Johnson), Rebecca McKenna, Neena McKenna, and Timothy McKenna (DJ Peterson); her cherished grandchildren Desirea McKenna, Charly Taylor, Izak Bechel, and Jazmine McKenna; her siblings Dennis Vierling (Marykay) and Nancy Braun (Rick Shindeldecker); and many extended family members and dear friends.
Sandy will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, caring sister, and treasured Nana. Her kindness, faith, creativity, and generous spirit touched all who knew her and will live on through the many lives she loved and served.
We are hosting a gathering of family and friends on Monday, December 22, 2025, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, at McNearney-Schmidt Funeral and Cremation, 1220 3rd Avenue East, Shakopee, MN.
11:00 AM: Livestream of the Celebration available at McNearney-Schmidt Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/McnearneyFuneralHomeAndCremationServices
A luncheon will be served beginning at 12, noon.
Sandy will be buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, 7601 34th Avenue South, Minneapolis, on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Please meet at the cemetery by 9:45 AM at Assembly Area #4.