Sandra Joan Neumen was born August 1957 and was raised by her adoring adoptive parents Florence and Francis Neumen in Centralia, WA. Sandy passed away October 1, 2023 after a courageous battle with lung cancer detected 3 years after she'd quit smoking. She encourages all current and former smokers over 50 reading this, to get the Smokers Lung Cancer Screen CT. Her biggest regret was that if she'd gotten a scan a year sooner, she might have survived and thrived. Other than a painful shoulder, Sandy had no symptoms when the CT revealed her tumor.
Sandy attended Centralia High School and University of Washington. She was a member of Centralia Chapter #14 of the Order of Eastern Star. Her career goals focused on helping people. She served United States Senator Dan Evans as a staff assistant helping constituents overcome and resolve bureaucratic obstacles. After Senator Evans left office, Sandy began another career with the US Department of Veterans Affairs as a Benefits Counselor at the VA Regional Office in Seattle. Later, she was appointed Congressional Liaison, resolving inquiries on behalf of veterans and their dependents. Health issues forced Sandy to take retirement sooner than she would have liked.
As an advocate for the "No Child Left Behind" movement, she didn't. She is survived, however, by many close friends and several cousins. Among them, Georgia McKinley, a friend from school days. Karyn Collins, a cousin who lived with the Neumen family for several years and was like a sister to Sandy. Denny, Joey, Holly, Arlle, Jerry, Tami, Curtis and a list so long it's measured in light years. Sandy and Alex were colleagues working at the VA. After she retired, Sandy helped him care for his mother, who was suffering from strokes and dementia until she passed away in 2013.
Sandy and Alex were often asked how long they've been together. Although it was over 20 years, time isn't a meaningful measure of their loyalty or affection for each other. It only takes a moment to say hello, but forever to say goodbye to those we treasure most. For Sandy and Alex, instead of goodbye, their plan was always to see each other again after crossing the bridge to the hereafter.
Sandy didn't want formalities associated with her passing. Friends wishing to celebrate her life at their own home, can contact Alex for a USB drive containing photos of her life and adventures.
Father Joseph Ramos provided Sandy with the sacrament of Confession to prepare for the inevitable. In lieu of remembrances, Sandy asked her friends to generously make a donation in her name to:
Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church
8710 28th Ave. E.
Tacoma, WA
Mail: P.O. Box 1332, Puyallup, WA 98371
(253) 537-4883
So when you meet someone for the first time and feel like you are long lost family? That describes knowing Sandy, and Alex. They made the most out of life and lived it well together as a team. Although Sandy and I were opposite poles of the "political" spectrum, we shared ideas, had terrific conversations about such things with ease and enjoyment. I respected her deep knowledge about high level politics and was fun to pick her thoughts. She had so many dimensions to her personality, and it always came from the heart. She was such a joy, at ease in any situation, a rare person. I miss her terribly as i know you'all do too. Especially Alex, the other half of this dynamic duo. They were awesome together, and my heart goes out to Alex. Much Love, Robert Whiteside Palm Springs
Sandy loved the Weyerhauser Bonsai Garden
Sandy celebrating Veterans Day at American Legion in Palm Springs November 2020
The below picture of Alex, Sandy and I reflects a fun evening together. The Sandy that I knew was a very kind, happy, caring individual. I met Sandy at the VA. We hung out after work with many of our VA friends.. After we retired I would visit Alex and Sandy.they were great together! I feel very fortunate to have been her friend. I will miss you. RIP .I will be be there for you Alex.
Love from the Aussies ❤️
We are just so lucky to have met Sandy and shared in her warmth, humour and fun. I personally (Kate) will never forget margaritas and dancing in the day club at Palm Springs with her. We cherish all the memories Hawaii was very special xoxoxi
Love from the Aussies ❤️
We are just so lucky to have met Sandy and shared in her warmth, humour and fun. I personally (Kate) will never forget margaritas and dancing in the day club at Palm Springs with her. We cherish all the memories Hawaii was very special xoxoxi
Love from the Aussies ❤️
We are just so lucky to have met Sandy and shared in her warmth, humour and fun. I personally (Kate) will never forget margaritas and dancing in the day club at Palm Springs with her. We cherish all the memories Hawaii was very special xoxoxi
Alex, thank you for staying a part of our lives even after you moved and for keeping constant communication on Sandy's health. You both have been a great force in my life with the kindness you extend. My prayers are with you for strength. Love you Sandy! Miss you!
Sincerely,
Jodi Lynn
As you witnessed her disease bring her through such pain until it finally took her, we offer our deepest sympathies as you mourn this loss and ask God to provide the comforts and consolations your broken heart requires in this heavy season.
Sandy was always so bubbly and chipper with me, the other Alex Vira. Such a great demeanor-- I am so glad to have such positive memories of her. I miss her and will never forget her friendly voice and the nice times we had.
Alex I am so sorry for your loss. You were both so welcoming and supportive to me, and hundreds of others whose lives she touched. Although I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting her in earlier years, I will always remember how we shared laughter and tears. Hugs to you Alex.
Rest in peace dear Sandy.
A friend that will be missed. Sandy and Alex always helped and made Holly and i comfortable at our second homes in Cathedral City. You could always get a happy hello and a great conversaion from Sandy on the porch as i passed by.
Meeting Sandy for the first time I knew we had a special connection. We had many things in common - being neighbors in 2 states was the first happy coincidence we discovered. Deeper connections existed in the space between our hearts.
When I got the news that Sandy was transitioning to hospice care, I immediately offered to help her and Alex. My first visit was on her birthday. 🎂 I got the gift of sharing her birthday cheesecake. Alex served it to us with a few freshly picked blackberries on the plate. I fed more of it to Sandy than I ate myself. (Thank you for that special gift, Alex 💝) We had a great time visiting between bites. My gift to her was not something I could wrap and put a ribbon on: I wanted to know exactly how she wanted things when she was unable to speak for herself. Everything from the physical touch, to sounds and preferred volume, and comforting smells 💝
With each visit I learned more about my friend, and solidified facts I already knew. Her compassion for others, honesty, integrity, loyalty, and unfailing kindness shined through. Sandy didn't do anything before she considered how Alex would feel. She wanted, above all else, to leave behind beautiful memories. She prayed for those sweet memories to be a balm for the soul, to help bring a smile to those who loved her. There was never a time she stopped doing the best she was able to. She missed having social time with her friends and family that were too far away to visit, whether CC or East Coast, she expressed understanding and love to all in that group. It's truly a blessing to honor the wishes conveyed to me through the conversations I had with Sandy in the last 2 months of her life with us. It's been an honor and privilege to have been a trusted friend and advocate for such an amazing woman. Till we meet again, Sandy. I miss you 💝
Sandy was so beautiful, peacefully resting, couldn't be a better picture to speak for all the days I spent by her side💖
Sandy and Minnie 💖
Sandy and Minnie 💖
Sandy and Minnie 💖
Sandy and Minnie 💖
Being silly together. 😃♥️
Our Dads first met through the Masons in Centralia.
Sandy and I became friends and enjoyed many shopping trips to Seattle with our Mothers who also hit it off! Sandy and I were always just a “little” mischievous! Basically what one couldn’t think of the other could. I have attached a picture of Sandy and I taken on her 9th birthday! Until we meet again… cheers to a life well lived.
The first time I met Sandy and Alex in Palm Springs (with my husband Jim).
Oh, sweet Sandy. We are so thankful our dear friends, Helen & Rick Tolbert, told us to make sure we got together with you and Alex in Palm Springs, which we first did in 2019. What fun loving memories we have with you these last few years laughing, dancing, dining and sharing stories (many happy and some sad). We felt as though we knew you for years!! We believe God puts people in our path for a reason, and you my dear friend, became part of our family (along with your beloved Alex). You will be missed and kept close to our hearts ♥️... until we meet again dear friend. Love, Kathy
So blessed was I that Sandy was my immediate neighbor for many years.
She was always so excited to see all my dogs over those years.Oh ,me too.We will SO MISS YOU my awesome friend.My critters loved her so.Me too.
Sandy and I shared a common birthday.August 16th was always an incredibly fun,,sometimes raucous day.
Sandy,and Alex always made people feel special.
Her legacy of giving of her time,kindness and resources was unmatched.
As with others, she frequently expressed how grateful she was for their friendship,and ours.Her actions showed that.I was so blessed and privileged she thought me a friend.
A valued friendship-Priceless!
Sandy fought a valiant battle against the hideous enemy Cancer.So often it wins the battle.It may take the body,however Sandys" indominable Spirit and Soul won the war.They will remain etched in my memory the rest of my days.
See you in the next life wonderful friend,
Curtis
We will miss Sandy, she was little but mighty. Our times spent together were always fun filled and full of laughter. We will keep that memory of her near and dear to us. Rest in peace our dear friend.
With love,
Les and Ro
The times I was able to spend with Alex and Sandy was always very enjoyable. I found that Sandy spoke her mind and didn’t hold back. She was kind, humorous and genuine. She will be missed. Rest in peace. Your journey continues.🙏🏻🌹
Cheryl Benveniste
Alex & Sandy we always enjoyed our time together at the VFW & in Westport. Those visits weren’t often enough as kids & Grand children occupied a lot of our time. Sandy you were so blessed to have Alex as a partner & advocate for you as you progressed in your journey! Nobody could have done a better job! “No”was not an acceptable word for him as he advocated to get you the Best care! You had a loving partner in Alex & he had the same from you! God Bless both of you! 🙏♥️Sandy we will Love Alex for you! Until we ALL meet again ! 💕
I had known Sandy for 33 years which is just 2 shy of my entire career as her family insurance agent. She was always a pleasure to have as my client and my friend. When she called we would always visit as friends and she always reminded me to not work so much and get out and enjoy the sunshine when we had it here in Seattle. As I mentioned to Alex, Cancer and Covid have taken so many loved ones that don't deserve the pain they go through. My conversations with Sandy which included our love for animals will be sadly missed.
Sandy was my neighbor, a sweet friend, and will always be in my friend (since Jr. High School) Alex's heart! We spent many Holiday dinners together and usually shared a shot of Tequila to celebrate her birthday. Sandy is now at peace. May her memory be for blessing.
We will miss you my dear friend. All the fun times we had shopping a just hanging out.
Rest peacefully
Love
Jean & Jack
Sandy was one of my favorite girlfriend. I would come to Palm Springs to see my brother Jack who were neighbors. So Sandy an I would go out shopping an having fun when I came to visit. I will miss you so much my dear fellow cat person!
Sandy was one of my favorite girlfriend. I would come to Palm Springs to see my brother Jack who were neighbors. So Sandy an I would go out shopping an having fun when I came to visit. I will miss you so much my dear fellow cat person!
Sandy was one of my favorite girlfriend. I would come to Palm Springs to see my brother Jack who were neighbors. So Sandy an I would go out shopping an having fun when I came to visit. I will miss you so much my dear fellow cat person!
Sandy, you were so much fun everytime we got together in the Seattle area, Westport and Palm Springs. Your laugh was infectious, your silly dancing in Palm Springs hilarious, your fun stories, your friendship will always be treasured. Until we cross that bridge to meet you and our Lord, our times together will be in our thoughts.
My heart goes out to you Alex. Sandy was a beautiful person who would help anyone in need, especially animals. She truly left her mark in this world with all her endeavors. I always felt at home on the deck just chit-chating with her. We had so many good times together, happy hours, concerts and our time with the readings. She will be soo missed. On my way to church to light a candle .
Love Karen
Alex and Sandy (with her great smile) in Palm Springs, CA.
Sandy, you touched our lives with your beautiful smile, warm heart and captivating humor. We were blessed to spend time with you and Alex over the years. Thank you for your kindness, always, when we caught up between visits. I pray it’s amazing where you are and we all meet gain one day. Rest in peace, pain free. Affectionately, Sue and family.
Its just like heaven, being here with you. You're like an angel, too good to be true. But after all I love you, I do. Angel Baby, my Angel baby. Sandy, we'll dance to this song again, soon.
Sandy loved being in the pool. All her pains left and she could cavort like a dolphin.
The services for Sandra have not yet been added. Please sign up below to be notified when the services are ready.
Get Notified When a Service is Added
Sign in to add your memory
Let the family know who you are using one of the quick sign-in options below.
Just for verification: we never spam!
Share Photo/Memorial Tributes
Add to Your Calendar
Obit Checkin
Obituary Notifications
Get Updates - tribute notifications
Get Updates - SMS notifications
Help show your support by providing a gift of flowers and spreading the word.
Spread the Word
Help friends and acquaintances of Sandra leave memories by sharing to Facebook
Share on Facebook