Sandra Echo Kleinschmit

1953 - 2021

Sandra Echo (Adam) Kleinschmit

Salem - 1953 - 2021

Sandy left this world for her next journey on April 7th. A New York Times bestselling author two-times over, her favorite roles were that of wife, mother, and loving nana. She was known for her quick wit, amazing apple pie, and gentle, loving heart.

Sandy was born on October 27, 1953 in Joliet, Illinois, the blonde, curly-haired second child of Frederick and Adeline Adam, and younger sister of Jerome (Jerry). After finishing high school in Joliet, she worked for the Department of Defense, where on a semi-blind date she met Ed, who was serving in the US Army.

They fell in love, married, and settled in Oregon's beautiful Willamette Valley near Ed's family. They shared over 46 years together, raising three daughters, traveling the United States, Europe, and South America, basking in quiet moments on Oregon's majestic coast, and delighting in six beloved grandchildren.

Sandy supported Ed's career and Ed supported Sandy as her writing career blossomed. When her youngest child was just six months old, Sandy wrote her first novel. Her family is immensely proud of the 37 books she completed during her notable career (under her own name, as well as under pen names Sandra James and Samantha James). Her books have appeared on the New York Times bestseller list and have been translated into multiple languages and published across the globe, sharing her stories of hope and love around the world.

Sandy lives on in this world in the hearts of her family and friends, including: the love of her life, Ed; their three daughters, Kelly, Sara, and Jami, in whom she instilled grit and taught kindness and compassion; their sons-in-law, Traegon, Steve, and Adam, who always made her laugh; and, their six grandchildren, Nick, Ashley, Kaitlyn, Lauren, Lyra, and Devon, who will always remember the warmth of her hugs and her unconditional love. They will share her love of the Blazers and Cubs (with perhaps less yelling at the TV), delight in curling up in a soft snuggly blanket, her quick wit, and her understanding of the joy that can be found in simple things (like apple pie and ice cream for dinner!) with everyone they meet.

In celebration of her life a memorial service for family and close friends will be held on Thursday, April 15th. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation in her name to the March of Dimes or the Boys & Girls Club.

Arrangements by Unger Funeral Chapel - Silverton, Oregon