Sandra Kay Hartin

Sandra Kay Hartin (nee Vander Heyden), of Florissant, MO, passed away Friday, July 19, 2024, at the age of 77. Beloved wife of Edwin Hartin; cherished daughter of the late Charles and Florence Vander Heyden; devoted mother of Heather (Brett) Cothran, Monica (Charles Jr.) Nicastro and Brennan (Gina) Hartin; loving grandmother of Dylan Cothran, Mia Nicastro, Elodie Doyle, Alexandra Nicastro, Ava Nicastro and Johanna Hartin; dear sister of Gary Vander Heyden.

Sandy was a force, a mentor, larger than life and radiant both inside and out. She was the world’s biggest cheerleader for those she loved, and that list is so large we need to divide it into groups. 

To her students, she was a passionate teacher, a talented director, and a thoughtful role model. She was quite simply a legend at her last teaching position, English teacher and play and musical director at McCluer High School in Ferguson, Missouri, so much so that she was district teacher of the year in 1990 and has a plaque dedicating the little theater in McCluer to her. 

To her friends, she was the life of the party, the consummate hostess, the planner of trips and lover of travel, and the loyal defender of all of them from the moment she befriended them. 

To her grandchildren, she was the most loving nana who could always be counted on to spoil them with gifts both spiritual and material, to take them on life-expanding vacations full of fun and laughter, and to shower them with more love, affection and appreciation than anyone in the world. 

To her children, she was the best shoulder to cry on, the strongest role model to strive to live up to, and the most amazing support system anyone could ever hope for.

To her husband, she was a devoted, loving, and loyal soulmate of over 60 years, and the source of his life’s joy. When dementia robbed her of most of her memories, the strongest memory that remained was her unwavering love for her precious Eddie.

Finally, in honor of Sandy’s yearly epic rhyming Christmas letter she would send to her loved ones, we leave you with this: 

We ask that you carry Sandy’s memory forward in your hearts

And when the sadness begins to start

Don’t think of Sandy with sorrow and tears

That is not what she would have wanted we fear

Rather remember her kindness, love and zest for life

And above all how she was a devoted friend, sister, mom and wife.