Sandra Lee McCandless Kibler-Amodio

SANDRA LEE MCCANDLESS
KIBLER-AMODIO

WAYNESVILLE, N.C. - Sandra Lee McCandless Kibler-Amodio, 66, died Friday, May 18, 2018 in Waynesville NC.
Sandra was born June 4, 1951 in Key West, Florida, and lived in Madeira Beach, Florida, Lakeland, Florida, and Seminole, Florida. At the time of her death Sandra was a part time resident of Waynesville, and Madeira Beach, Florida.
Her mother Patricia J. Shontz, who died January 2017, owned and operated successful restaurant businesses with her husband George Shontz at Madeira Beach and John's Pass, including The Cajun Diner, later know as the Apple. Pat was well known for her service as mayor and city commissioner for Madeira Beach.
Sandra graduated from the University of Florida in 1973, with a degree in journalism and advertising. She worked as an assistant to former Florida Senator Lawton Chiles. She began work with the United States Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division in 1988, and compiled an impressive career as Investigator and Special Investigative Assistant until illness forced her retirement in 2015.
Sandra was a dedicated champion for working people of all races, ethnicity, age, sex, and degree of citizenship. She became an expert in the Migrant and Seasonal Agriculture Protection Act, and the Regulations of Immigration Law dealing with special foreign workers allowed admission to the United States according to specific visa rules. Those programs are commonly known as H-2A, H-1B, and H-2B.
Sandra was well known for her quick wit, keen intellect and desire to excel at everything she tried. She was a water and snow skier, a member of the Lakeland Ski Club, played tennis, ran and occasionally played the Kazoo.
Sandra is survived by her husband Steven Amodio, step son John Amodio, of Hackettstown, NJ, son Bryan B. Kibler, Colorado, daughter Annalee Brewer, Sarasota, and daughter Kristin Bergollo of Tampa. Kristin and husband Edgar have three children: Edgar, Jackson, and Olivia.
She passed away peacefully at home in the care of Husband Steven Amodio, and Best Friend Forever, Andrea Shiffman Tuttle.
Sandra suffered a severe brain hemorrhage stroke in 2015. By all accounts she could have recovered completely even after emergency brain surgery. Unfortunately, 33% of stroke victims develop seizure disorders. Her seizures started in July, 2015, and ultimately led to her demise. She had the most debilitating form of seizure for which there is no cure due to significant brain damage. Finding a correct combination of medications is the neurologist's only weapon.
Consider donation to your to local seizure units or to the following Not for Profits in lieu of flowers: Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy ( cureepilepsy.org ) 430 W. Erie Suite 210 Chicago Ill 606654, Chelsea Hutchison Foundation ( chelseahutchisonfoundation.org ) PO Box 630048, Littleton Colorado 80163.
On June 24, 2018, a Celebration of Sandra's Life, will be held at the summit of Mt. Mitchell, North Carolina, the highest point east of the Mississippi. A reception is scheduled 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, that day at Wells Funeral Home, 296 North Main St. Waynesville, North Carolina 28786.