Sandie Bauer Fukes

1940 - 2025

Sandie Bauer Fukes

Whitesboro, NY

Sandie Bauer Fukes, beloved sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, mentor, teacher, and friend, passed away on August 29th at the age of 84.

Born on December 28, 1940, Sandie inherited her mother's passion for dance-a love that became her life's calling. From her very first "brush brush stamp" to her more than 60 years of teaching, Sandie didn't just share the art of dance-she shaped the lives of thousands. She had a remarkable way of making every student feel special, instilling confidence, discipline, resilience, and love that carried far beyond the studio. She was both an inspiration and an unwavering source of encouragement.

Respected across the entire dance community, Sandie was admired not only for her artistry and teaching, but also for her kindness, warmth, and generosity. What began as a passion became a legacy spanning generations-many of her earliest students later entrusted their own children to her, a true testament to her impact. Through her devotion to dance, she touched countless lives and leaves behind a legacy that lives on in the hearts of her students and their families.

Sandie graduated with the Whitesboro High School Class of 1958. She began her career as an Executive Secretary at GE before dedicating herself fully to dance. She first taught at her mother's Trixie Dance Studio before opening her own, Sandie's Dance Academy. Alongside her sisters, Sharon and Charline, she also taught gymnastics at Bauer's School of Performing Arts.

She later founded United Academy of the Performing Arts with her daughter, Wende Warne, and for many years served as Vice President of Dance Masters of Western New York, Chapter 8. Outside the studio, she enjoyed working at her sister's garden center, George's.

Sandie was a pillar of her family-a steady hand they could always rely on. She will be lovingly remembered for her holiday gatherings and the traditions she created, which will continue to bring smiles, laughter, and cherished memories.

Sandie is survived by her loving daughter, Wende Warne; her cherished grandchildren, EJ (Caitlin) Weeks, Ashleigh (Kevin) Krogol, Jeremy (Nichole) Paine, and Kiera Warne; her adored great-grandchildren, Alzaina, Amerah, Adalind, Finley, and Weston; her treasured siblings, Charline Topor, Sharon (Michael) George, Robert (Peg) Bauer, and Ronald (Linda) Bauer; and her many nieces and nephews, with special acknowledgment to her niece and godchild, Cristina (Peter) Burns. She is also survived by her extended dance family, who held a very special place in her heart.

She was predeceased by her proud parents, Robert and Arline Laun Bauer; her beloved husband, Stephen J. Fukes; and her prized sons, Stephen J. Fukes II and James Paine.

A celebration of Sandie's life will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, from 4:00-7:00 pm at Dimbleby Funeral Home, located at 40 Main Street Whitesboro, New York 13492. A service will follow at 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Interment will be private in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Whitesboro.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CPV Pet Rescue & Sanctuary, 86 Meadow Street, Suite 2, Clinton, NY, 13323.

Though Sandie has taken her final bow, the curtains will continue to rise across the dance community she so dearly loved. Her legacy will live on in every "5, 6, 7, 8," in the tying of each tap shoe, and in every song sung at family Christmas parties.

For online expressions of sympathy please go to www.dimblebyfh.com