Sandra Jean Werkheiser

Sandra "Sandy" Jean Werkheiser, age 80, of Manchester, passed away peacefully in her home Thursday, November 13th, 2014. Born Feb. 6, 1934, in Philadelphia, PA, she was the daughter of the late Norman J. Sr. and Myrtle M.(Friedrich) MacMichael. In 1956, Sandy and her husband Richard Werkheiser, moved to Newington and a few years later to Manchester. While raising her children she pursued her lifelong dream of attending college and successfully graduating from Manchester Community College, Eastern Connecticut State University in 1976 (4.0 GPA) and at UCONN where she obtained a Master's degree in Social Work. From May of 1979-1992. Sandy dedicated herself to helping her patients as a psychiatric social worker and therapist on the Inpatient Unit at Manchester Memorial Hospital and in private practice. She was a contributing author of the book, "We Were There: A Collection of Memories of Historic Moments", 2009. She was involved in a theater group at Waddell Elementary School through the PTA to help educate the community on important issues such as child abuse. She retired in 1992, due to cardiac issues, Sandy received the news that she only had a few years to live given her heart condition. She became determined to change her very active lifestyle to one that would allow her to remain active but live for as long as she could. Being the independent woman that she was, she forged ahead for 22 years, battling her condition while enjoying all that life had to offer. "Jet setting" around the world she went to various destinations, exploring many different places and cultures. Another desire was to pursue a Life Master status in Bridge, to which she came very close to achieving. Her other passions included; tennis (member of the East Hartford Racquet Club), Scrabble, card games of all types, ping pong, the dramatic arts, creative writing, just to name a few. Her interests she shared and fostered with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Sandy was an inspiration to many who knew her for her genuineness, her honesty, her independent spirit, her stick-to-itiveness, her commitment to others and her wit. Her connections with her family and friends were very important to her and she will be forever greatly missed. She believed and sought out to live the "Golden Rule". Sandy is survived by her beloved children; her daughter Wendy and husband Henry Fusco of Dayville, her son R. Scott Werkheiser of Manchester, her grandsons; Scott G. Werkheiser, his mum Tena Rose of New Britian and Jeremy Young and his wife Noel of North Andover, MA . Her great-grandchildren; Tobias,Whittaker, Cordelia, and Cassidy all of North Andover, MA. Her nephews; Geoffrey and Craig and her nieces Linda, Holly and Heather. She will be also dearly missed by her many close friends. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her brother Norman J. MacMichael Jr. and her dear friend Joseph Sack. Sandy's family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Stephen Kastoff and Dr. Joseph Radojevic, with special thanks to Dr. Jason Gluck and Tari Devoe, as well as the rest of the Hartford Hospital LVAD staff who gave Sandy additional years of life with her heart pump implant. Calling hours will be held Thursday, November 20, from 5:00-8:00 pm at Holmes Funeral Home, 400 Main St., in Manchester. A Prayer Service will be held at the funeral home Friday, November 21st at 11:00 am. Rev. Jonathon Chapman from Westfield Church of Danielson will be officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:30 am until time of service. Interment will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to: MCC Foundation, Great Path - MS#6, P.O. Box 1046, Manchester, CT 06040 or call (860)512-2907.

Visitation DetailsThursday, November 20th, 2014 5:00pm - 8:00pmFriday, November 21st, 2014 10:30am - 11:00amService DetailsFriday, November 21st, 2014 11:00am