Sandra J. "Sandy" Messner

Sandra "Sandy" J. Messner, age 86 of Brimfield, passed away Monday, March 27, 2023. She was born July 15, 1936 in Barberton to the late John and Anna Kepnes. To those that knew Sandy, she was kind, generous, loving, always polished, well dressed, and immaculate from head to toe. Her signature look was her big white hair style that set her apart in a crowd.
Sandy spent many years working in her family business at the Akron Coin and Jewelry store for her brother Charlie. And in more recent years, at her daughter's dance studio All About Dance by Kristen, in Stow, Oh. Back in the 1960's, Sandy worked for BF Goodrich Co. in Akron in the Aerospace division where she had the good fortune to meet the original Mercury 7 Astronauts when they came to be fitted for space suits.
Art and theatre held a special place in her world. Sandy was very proficient sketching in charcoal and pencil, a hobby she primarily kept to herself. She was also a regular at the Carousel Dinner Theater, Kenley Players and Playhouse Square theater productions. Sandy loved travel, gardening and quality time with family and friends during the warm summer months. Her yard adorned with window boxes of flowers and decorated with numerous plantings.
Spring Break vacations to tropical locations with her daughter and close friends became a tradition for which mom and daughter often reversed roles! A travel highlight in her life was a 50th wedding anniversary cruise with family and friends.
Above all else, her children were her number one priority and early on she became very active in the school PTA. She also served as a room mother for her children during their formative elementary years in the Field Local School System never missing a year!
Sandy had a weakness for and a love of chocolate! It was not unusual to find a bag of her favorite treats secreted away under the seat of her car, in her desk drawer or under the corner of the sofa where she often sat to watch her favorite shows.
During the holidays, she was affectionately referred to as "Sandy Clause" for her family gatherings, lavish holiday dinners and gifts she would generously bestow on friends and family. Especially proud of her granddaughters, she loved doting on and spending time with both Ashlyn and Lauren.
Sandy is survived by her husband of 63 years, Richard "Dick" Messner; children, Kristen (Anthony), Scott (Lori) and Todd (Denise) Messner; grandchildren, Lauren Messner and Ashlyn Russo. She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter-in -law, Lynette Messner; and brother, Charles "Charlie" Kepnes.
Contributions may be made to the Brimfield Fire Department in Sandy's memory. Private family services will be held with burial taking place at Restland Cemetery in Brimfield. A celebration of life will be announced later.
Services in care of Bissler and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory.
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