Sandra L. Sande, 72, Bismarck and former longtime Minot teacher, died Tuesday, December 31, 2019, from a heart attack in a Bismarck hospital.

Sandra L. Norton (aka: Sandy) was born, May 16, 1947 to Gene and Emma Norton. She was raised by her mother Emma and step-father, Bob Peterson in Minot, graduating from Minot Model High School. She continued her education at Minot State University graduating with a B.A. in education in 1969.

Sandy married Dean Sande on November 28, 1969. In that same year she got her first teaching job at Jim Hill Junior High and taught at the very same school and very same room (#37) for 35 years. She retired from the Minot Public Schools system on May 17, 2006. In those 35 years, she remained a strong persistent instructor who touched many students lives by being that "strict" yet funny story-telling teacher.

Together they had two children, Brent Sande of Gillette, WY and Alesha (Sande) Dockter of Bismarck, ND. Dean and Sandy remained in Minot until 2011, when they lost their home to the flood waters as many others did. At that time, they packed their bags and headed south to Bismarck, ND to be closer to their only two grandkids, Callie and Coy Dockter. Sandy sadly lost Dean on October 16, 2014 due to a heart attack.

Sandy remained in Bismarck with her beloved companion Maddie, a Black Labrador/ Collie mix, and her well-known 69 Dodge Super Bee that sits under a chamois cover in her garage. If you were looking for her, she could often be found either bare foot in her garden, reading one of her many books, meeting up with her monthly coffee girls, or substitute teaching in the Bismarck Public Schools Systems at either Horizon Middle School or Century High School.

Most of all, Sandy was considered to be the rock of her family. She had the ability to always hold it together for everyone and never let anyone down. She has left many fun and wonderful memories that will be cherished forever. She will be terribly missed, but never forgotten.

Sandy's loving family includes son: Brent Sande (Justine Kapperud), Gillette, WY; daughter: Alesha (Keith) Dockter, Bismarck; ND grandchildren: Callie and Coy Dockter, sister-in-laws: Jean (Ed) Heit, Glenburn; Jane (Robert) Shea, Minot; Toni Norton; Richmond, VA; nephews: Scott (Deanna) Heit and Brock (Jen) Bjelland; nieces: Missi (John) Spitzer, Mindy Jo (Mike) Halverson, Whitney (Jordan) Schlichting, and several cousins.

Sandy was preceded in death by: husband: Dean Sande; mother: Emma Norton Peterson; step-father: Robert Peterson, father: Gene Norton, brother: Monte Norton, father-in-law: Art Sande; mother-in-law: Laurette Sande and special aunt and uncle: Martha and Dick Musch.

Celebration Of The Life Of Sandy Sande: Saturday, January 11, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. in Bread of Life Lutheran Church - Minot.
Visitation: Friday, January 10, 2020 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Cremation will take place following the church service. There are no interment plans at this time.
Contributions may be made in Sandy's honor to a local animal shelter, charity of one's choice, or a check may be submitted to: Educational Fund for Sandy Sande's grandchildren.

Sandra Sande Flower Pictures