Mary Sandall

Mary Sandell of Sumner, Washington, passed away the morning of November 8, 2018. Mary was born to Emmett and Dolly Whalen on April 21,1923 in York, North Dakota. She graduated from York High School and later from the University of North Dakota as a Registered Nurse. She married Charles Sandell in Tacoma, Washington where they began their family moving to Sumner, Washington in 1953 where they raised a large family and enjoyed life for 63 years. Mary is survived by her brother John Whalen of San Diego, CA, eight of her children: Linda Ronayne (Mark) of Vancouver, WA, Chuck (Cindy) of Puyallup, WA, Kenn (Pam Sturgeon) of Edmonds, WA, Jan McCallie (Duncan) of Anacortes, WA, Joanne Hazelton (Russ) of Coeur d'Alene, ID, Cathy Kontorowicz (Harry) of Puyallup, WA, Vernon (Lisa) of Louisville, KY, and Bill (Eileen) of Bonney Lake, WA. 28 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren survive her. Her husband "Chuck", son Chris, and grandchildren Katie, Mary Megan and Brian, predeceased her. Mary loved caring for babies and worked the evening shift in the newborn nursery at St. Joseph Hospital, Tacoma, for many years. Her Catholic faith was very important to her, as was her love of the Virgin Mary, and attended St. Andrew's Church her entire time in Sumner. Mom loved to laugh and she entertained family and friends with her songs and stories. Even as she lay dying she entertained us with a tongue twister. She loved to write poetry and was often at work creating one. Occasionally she sent us a poem often based on our family growing up. Mom was immensely proud of her family, and leaves us with beautiful memories. She often reflected on the fun times she and dad had as they raised their large family. A celebration of life ceremony will be held on Monday, November 19, 2018 at 12 p.m. at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Sumner Washington. The family requests that in lieu of sending flowers donations be made to your favorite children's charity. Special thanks to the staff at Cedar Ridge in Bonny Lake and at Beamo's Adult Family home for the love and care they gave mom in her later years.