Sandra Elaine Weidner

Sandra “Sandy” Elaine Weidner, a devoted mother, grandmother, skilled gardener, and gifted athlete, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 5, 2025, at the age of 72. She had been a resident of Golden, Colorado, since the late 1980s, establishing a life rich with family, service, and passion.

Sandy was born on June 13, 1953, in Reading, Pennsylvania, to the late Robert and Sara (Heiser) Weidner, of Temple, PA. Growing up, Sandy was an athletic kid who loved being outside and participating in Camp Fire Girls. She graduated from Muhlenberg Township High School. Her early love for sports developed into a lifelong pursuit; she was a skilled athlete who played field hockey, softball, and basketball. She also enjoyed road biking and swimming. Later in life she participated in the Senior Olympics for basketball.

After moving to Colorado in the late 70s, Sandy primarily dedicated herself to her family as a homemaker and mother. However, her extraordinary talent in the kitchen shone through as well; she spent time managing kitchens and was an amazing and skilled cook with an endless fountain of energy, a sharp wit, and a gifted use of language..

She was a deeply passionate Master Gardener in Jefferson County, Colorado. She loved her cats and her grand-dogs, and could often be found tending to her garden, or feeding the hummingbirds that flocked to her feeders. Sandy also had a deep love of music and a knack for making up silly songs, often sharing a laugh with those around her.

More than anything, Sandy was a devoted grandmother. Her greatest joys were her grandkids. She enjoyed reading to them, and instilling in them a love of learning and language.

Sandy was preceded in death last year by her partner of nearly 30 years, Thomas A. Hatrak. She was also preceded by her parents; her brother, Michael Weidner; and her beloved grandson, Michael Gherardini.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Tony and Jennifer (Meyer) Gherardini; her granddaughters, Gabriella, Helena, and Liliana Gherardini; her sister, Nancy Christensen; her niece, Melissa Christensen; grandniece and nephew, Milo and Lilah; her sister-in-law, Joanne Weidner; and niece, Sara (Weidner) Hansen.

A low Requiem Mass will be held at St. Isidore Catholic Church, 32100 Co Rd 30, Watkins, CO on Thursday, October 16, 2025. Any are welcome to attend. Services will begin at 1:00 PM and with a viewing and Rosary. Following the Mass, interment will take place at St. Isidore's Cemetery.