July 15, 1946 – July 2, 2024

Sandra Elaine Brownell (Jones), affectionately known as Sandi, passed away on July 2 in Glendale at the age of 77.

She was born on July 15, 1946 in Des Moines, Iowa where she spent her childhood and young adult life until her late 30s when she moved with her family to St. Paul then onto Minneapolis, Minnesota. In her golden years she finally moved to Glendale.

She led a life marked by kindness, generosity and a deep love for her family and friends. She was also renowned for her beauty, which was evident as her smile could always light up a room. She had the most delicate and graceful hands, adorable nose, beautiful lips and absolutely perfect skin, which everyone always complimented her on – yet she always remained humble about her features.

Sandi’s career spanned several roles; she began as a typist and then transitioned into data entry, finally working to customer services. Her professional journey was characterized by the same warmth and care she brought to her personal life, treating everyone she met with respect and kindness.

As a Christian, Sandi shared her faith and fellowship with her close friend and chaplain, Lori, whom she loved listening to sing. 

Her hobbies were a reflection of her vibrant personality and eclectic tastes. Sandi had a profound love for animals, particularly horses, which was intertwined with her enjoyment of old western movies and horseback riding. She was also a familiar face at art car shows across the country, proudly displaying her black Fiat Spider adorned with custom painted purple butterflies, a testament to her creative spirit and unique flair. She had a passion for crafts with a particular talent for embroidery, which allowed her to express her creativity and meticulous attention to detail.

Sandi’s real passion, however, was for mystery novels. She found great joy in reading every day and filling her inquisitive mind with the whodunit. She also loved singing and cherished moments spent at karaoke with her friends and family where she brought joy to everyone with her lovely voice.

Sandi was the epitome of kindness, often described by many as the nicest person they had ever met. She had a heart of gold and despite having little, she would give everything she had to support her loving daughters and those around her.

She is survived by her loving partner Yancey Grubzak; daughters Wanda Elaine (Brownell) Cardinal and Becki Cim Brownell; grandchildren Robert Grondin, Rachael Grondin, Alex Schultz, Jeffrey Schultz and Isabella Brownell; and great-grandchildren, Emma Christianson and Ana Marie Fosse. She was preceded in death by her parents Bruce Clyde Jones and Elma Elaine (Redfield) Jones.

In keeping with her wishes, no memorial services will be held as Sandi was blessed to have her friends and family gather to say their farewells during her final days. Her legacy of love, compassion and generosity will continue to live on through the many lives she touched. Her presence will be profoundly missed by all who knew her as she leaves behind a legacy of love, warmth and an appreciation for the joyous moments of life. Although no services will be held, she was in care with Crippen Mortuary.