Sandra Jean Smith passed into her next life surrounded by family on March 6, 2024 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane, WA. She lived a life of dignity, courage, and grace, even into the last hours of her life.

Sandee was an angel on earth and those that were recipients of her kindness and generosity can attest to the numerous bouquets of flowers given for comfort, sympathy, celebration, thankfulness, or for nothing at all. She was ready anytime with a listening ear, open heart, and non-judgemental ponderance. Sandee loved her nieces, nephews, and children of friends or neighbors who were made to feel very special and important in her eyes. They loved her dearly! Sandee & Bill loved to entertain at their beautiful home on Sacheen Lake as they shared the good life they were so blessed with. It is impossible to put into words the depth of loss that is felt by family & friends; we do know Sandee was profoundly grateful for the fulfilling and fabulous life she enjoyed.

Sandee was born in Billings, MT to parents Joseph & Dolores Pence. She has lived the majority of her life in Spokane, WA. Sandee graduated from North Central H.S. in 1974, she completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Eastern Washington State University, completed the Masters Program at Gonzaga University in Clinical Counseling, and completed her Phd in Leadership Studies at Gonzaga University. Her dissertation was on "Hope Beyond Bars". Sandee's family was very proud of her hard work in attaining the highest level of educational accomplishment in her professional career. Her husband Bill sometimes fondly called her Doctor Sandra J. Smith. Sandee had a long counseling career for Spokane County Juvenile Court retiring in 2013. In addition, she was an Adjunct Professor in Gonzaga University's School of Education who taught in the Master of Arts: Teaching At Risk Students in Spokane and British Columbia, Canada. A colleague and mentor commented "her students loved her".

Sandee is survived by her loving husband, Bill D. Smith, her much adored pets, Julian and Bentley, sister Janet (Lance) Abernathy, sister Laura (Tom) McKenna, brother Joseph (Marie) Pence, nieces, nephews, and other extended family. Bill's family became her family and part of Sandee's loving embrace. The family would like to mention numerous friends and relatives that were so special in Sandee's life, but it is impossible to list such an extensive list. Her family looks forward to anyone wishing to share cherished memories.

Arrangements are being handled by Holy Cross Cemetery in Spokane. A celebration of life and memorial service will be held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 505 W. St Thomas More Way, on March 22, 2024 at 11 a.m. followed by a reception at the church. Burial Rites will take place following the reception at 2 p.m. at Holy Cross Cemetery, 7200 N. Wall, Spokane. If you are inclined to donate to a charity in honor of Sandee, please consider Priest River Animal Rescue, 5538 Highway 2, Priest River, ID 83856. Donations are also accepted at their web site: pranimalrescue.org