Sandra Marie CANE

Our beloved mother, sister, and wife passed away on December 3, 2023, in Spokane, Washington, due to a rapid decline from Pancreatic Cancer.

Sandy was born in Spokane, Washington, on March 2, 1948, to Alice and Edward Semerad. She grew up mostly in the Logan District in houses that Semerad Builders built. Ed had his own construction business for a long time. She was always in the St. Al's Parish area and attended St. Al's Parochial School and then Holy Names Academy. Sandy often shared stories about her three brothers. For one, ask Duane how his finger got clipped off! Sandy always referred to brother Ken as "Romeo."

Sandy met her future husband, Tom, at a rehearsal for Finnian's Rainbow at Gonzaga Prep. That was 1965 – and they have been stuck like glue for the past 58 years, including 55 years of marriage. They had three daughters. Sandy worked as a music instructor teaching children piano at home for years. She was a photographer for National School Studios in many grade schools in northern California, where they had moved in 1976. Sandy worked as a billing manager for a medical practice in Orinda, California, and ventured into several positions in accounting until her retirement.

Sandy helped refinish a baby grand piano made in 1898 with Tom that they used for many years mostly to celebrate at family gatherings.

We must include her favorite poodle, Teralani, who lived with us for over sixteen years. Teralani got her name after our favorite catamaran sailboat at Kaanapali Beach on Maui. Tom and Sandy traveled to Hawaii nineteen times. A small portion of Sandy's ashes will be sprinkled from Blackrock on Maui to honor her love of the location.

Tom and Sandy owned two lake homes on Diamond Lake and at Deer Lake, (not at the same time). These family lake retreats fulfilled her need to replace her parents' cabin on Priest Lake, where she spent some of the best times in her life. These lake homes made Sandy's dreams come true and she loved hosting many family gatherings and barbecues at the lake.

Her passions were in this order: loving and caring for her three daughters, loving and caring for her five grandchildren, playing the piano, doing Jigsaw puzzles, and abusing Tom (just kidding).

Sandy is survived by her children, Candice Ann Cane, Janis Marie Cane, and Tamara Christine Cane; and by brothers, Duane (Joan) and Keith (Karen). She is preceded in death by her brother, Ken.

The Cane family extends special gratitude to the people at Hospice of Spokane and specifically to Hospice House where Sandy remained in comfortable care for the balance of her life.

A service will be held at Hennessee Funeral Home followed by a Celebration of Life at Twigs Bistro Rotunda Room at Wandermere, 401 East Farwell Road, Spokane, WA 99218. Please visit Sandy's webpage at www.hennessesfuneralhomes.com to view a message of remembrance.