Sandra Louise Vodanoff

Sandra Louise Malek Vodanoff (1937–2026)

Sandra Louise Malek Vodanoff, age 88, of Highland Hills, Ohio, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1937 to Lillian A. (Janda) Malek and James R. Malek, Sandra was a lifelong Northeast Ohioan whose faith, intellect, and love of history shaped every chapter of her life. She attended John Adams High School and went on to study education at Flora Stone Mather College. While in college, she was an active member of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, where she deepened her faith in Christ and formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. After graduating in 1959, she married Western Reserve University (now CWRU) graduate and architect Nick C. Vodanoff.

Sandra began her career as a civics teacher at Alexander Hamilton Junior High School, instilling in her students an appreciation for government and community responsibility. In 1964, she and Nick established their home in Warrensville Township, where they raised their family. When discriminatory redlining practices were lifting and the neighborhood began to change, Sandra and Nick chose to remain in their home, committed to their neighbors and to building a welcoming, inclusive community.

After her daughters were in school, Sandra began her long and meaningful service at Shaffer United Methodist Church in Cleveland where she served as church secretary, organist, and Sunday school teacher. She continued her community engagement as the area around the church also began to change. With a small group of dedicated and inspired members they created Friday night drop-in sessions, Saturday school programming, free babysitting, and summer reading programs. As the custodian of the historic 1908 Zverina Log House & Garden she developed specialized school group sessions focusing on the history of the cabin and its founders. Sandra was also influential in breaking down barriers and building fellowship bridges with the local Catholic and Presbyterian Churches. She retired from the church in 1989.

Sandra's passion for history guided her next chapter. She worked part-time as a receptionist and tour guide at the Western Reserve Historical Society and later within visitor services at the Cleveland Museum of Art. In retirement, she devoted decades to volunteerism and to her grandchildren, who were among her greatest joys.

A true Cleveland historian at heart, Sandra served as a docent for the President James A. Garfield Replica Cabin and Birth Site in Moreland Hills, Dunham Tavern Museum & Gardens and at Lake View Cemetery, where she provided engaging and educational tours. At Lake View Cemetery, she created a walking tour and traveling slide presentation highlighting the lives of notable African Americans buried there, ensuring their stories were remembered and honored. Her advocacy for civil rights was expressed not only in words but in steadfast choices throughout her life.

Sandra also gave back to her alma mater as the final president of the Flora Stone Mather Alumni Association, preserving its impact for future generations. An avid reader, she was a devoted patron of the Warrensville Heights Public Library and a faithful participant in its monthly book club.

Above all, Sandra was faithful. She loved attending church and singing hymns. She had a gift for uplifting others-always quick to recognize someone's strengths and to leave them feeling better than when they arrived. She was endlessly curious, constantly educating herself and those around her. She loved history because she loved people and the connections between them. Forgiving, positive, and accepting of all, she welcomed everyone with warmth and grace.

Sandra is preceded in death by her husband Nick C. Vodanoff and nephew Kenneth Linton. She is survived by her daughters, Deirdre Vodanoff (Kenneth Lester) of Bedford; Nora Suder-Riley (Ken Riley) of Twinsburg; Merrin Richardson of Maple Heights; grandchildren Mitchell Suder, Marlena Riley, Quentin Richardson, and Jilliyn Richardson; brother James Malek; nieces Meredith Malek (Paul Marone) and Melinda Malek (Mike Davis) and nephew Michael Linton.

Her legacy lives on in the communities she strengthened, the stories she preserved, and the lives she uplifted.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable donation to an organization that was meaningful to her.

1) Dunham Tavern Museum and Gardens https://www.dunhamtavern.org/donation

2) The Garfield Trail (supports the 4 main sites affiliated with President James A. Garfield - birthplace, Hiram College, National Historic Site and Lake View Cemetery) https://www.garfieldtrail.org/

3) Presently organizing a donation opportunity with the Warrensville Heights City School District