Sandra Kay Winegardner

Hampstead, NC Born on August 23, 1938, in Grand Rapids, MI, Sandra Kay Winegardner decided to add a dash of excitement to the universe by making her grand entrance. She exited stage left on January 27, 2025, in Wilmington, NC, at the age of 86, after a recent fall reminded us all of life's unpredictability.
Sandra, affectionately known as "Sweething," was a woman whose life was flavored with adventure and a zest for living as vibrant as her favorite ice cream concoctions. Together with her husband Jeff, she conquered the retail landscape of Oleander Drive with their legendary Tackle Mart. Not ones to rest on their laurels, they soon dived into the world of frozen delights, first with a TCBY Yogurt Franchise, then with the tantalizing creations of Maggie Moos, and finally, crafting their own brand of joy with Sweet Thing Homemade Ice Cream. It's safe to say Sandra had a Ph.D. in deliciousness.
A culinary artist in her own right, Sandra could whip up an ice cream cake that would make even the most stoic smile. Her kitchen was her canvas, and each creation was a masterpiece. When not causing a stir in the kitchen, she could be found basking in the great outdoors, tending to her beloved garden with the same care and affection she lavished on her family.
Sandra was preceded in death by her daughter Linda Hoisington and her parents, Paul and Velma Shoemaker Gray.
She leaves behind a family tree as rich and variegated as her garden: her devoted husband of 53 years, Jeff Winegardner; her daughter Pat Dehart and husband Gregg; her son, Aaron Tanenbaum and wife Mary; her grandchildren Samantha Kemp and husband Lee, Alicia Dehart and husband Michael; and a great-grandson, Wyatt Dehart, who promises to carry on the legacy of charm and sweetness.
While no services are planned at this time, Sandra's life will be celebrated in every bite of ice cream, every blooming flower, and every gust of laughter shared among those who knew her. Her story may have ended, but her legacy of love and laughter lives on, a testament to a life well-lived and abundantly sweetened.
Please share memories and condolences by visiting the "Tribute Wall" below.
Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, Hampstead Chapel. 910.791.9099 To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sandra, please visit our floral store.