Sandra "Sandy" B. Smith

Athens — Sandra “Sandy” Beth Smith, 79, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on December 24, 2025. Born on December 3, 1946, Sandra was the beloved daughter of the late Stanton and Betty Montague.

Sandra graduated in the fall of 1967 from the Albany Medical Center School of Nursing. She devoted 44 years of her life to nursing, serving faithfully in the ICU and Labor and Delivery. She was deeply respected by her peers and dearly loved by her patients for her compassion, skill, and gentle presence.

Sandra was united in marriage to Alexander C. Smith on October 20, 1967, beginning a lifelong covenant built on love, faith, and devotion to God and family. They shared 52 years of marriage until Alex’s passing on September 2, 2019. A devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, and cherished friend, Sandra found her greatest joy in caring for her family.

Sandy enjoyed quilting, and one of the treasured legacies she leaves behind is a handmade quilt lovingly created for each grandchild upon their high school graduation. She prayed faithfully for those she loved and offered encouragement, wisdom, and grace without condition. Her life was a testimony to God’s faithfulness and enduring love. Sandy exemplified the truth of Proverbs 31:30: “A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” She was known for her gentle spirit, steadfast strength, and unwavering trust in the Lord. Her words were thoughtful, her actions compassionate, and her heart always turned toward serving others.

Sandra was predeceased by her sister, Judith Brunn; sister-in-law, Valerie Pebler; and brother-in-law, Ted Pebler.

She is survived by her loving children: Chad (Jill) Smith, Dan (Kim) Smith, Noah (Joan) Smith, and Rachel (Nick) LaFountain; her grandchildren: April, Daniel, Matthew, Kara, Hannah, David, Sam, Benjamin, Nathan, Toby, Jackson, and Levi; and her great-grandchildren: Natalie, Shyann, Gwendalyn, Zachary, and Skyler. She is also survived by her brother, Steven (Barb) Montague, brother in-law Michael Brunn, as well as many nieces, nephews, dear friends, and all that she mentored.

Sandy is now rejoicing in the presence of her Savior—fully restored, at peace, and reunited with loved ones who went before her. While her family mourns her passing, they do so with hope, confident in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:23).

A celebration of Sandy’s life will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, with viewing from 10:00–11:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 a.m., at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie, NY 12205.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites acts of kindness or donations to a Christian ministry or charity, made in honor of Sandy’s faith and the life she lived for the glory of God.