66, of Mesa, Arizona passed away peacefully on January 31, 2014. She was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, graduated from high school in Huntertown, Indiana, received a B.A. degree in Creative Drama and Elementary Education from the University of Washington in Seattle, and an M.Ed degree in Reading and Language Arts from the University of Hawaii. Sandi moved to Mesa in 1992 and worked in the Gilbert Public Schools in Gilbert Arizona, first as a reading specialist and ultimately as the District reading interventionist. She specialized in reading development and dyslexia, and in 2001 she received the Bill Ellis Teacher Preparation Award at the national Dyslexia Association meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She also implemented curricula and trained many reading specialists in the District before retiring in 2013. Sandi was active in the U.S. Army Reserve, where she rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. After 9/11, she served for two years as an anti-terrorism officer with the Pacific Command in Hawaii and was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal. She was preceded in death by her husband of 30 years, Samuel K. Apuna, who died in 2010. She is survived by her brother Dr. Terrone Rosenberry of Jacksonville, FL; her step-daughters Melanie Denny of Peoria, Arizona, Michelle Barker of Mountain View, Hawaii, and Melissa Apuna of Kaneohe, Hawaii, and her step-sons Samuel Apuna III of Honolulu, Hawaii, and John Apuna of Ewa Beach, Hawaii. A visitation will be held at Melcher Mortuary Mission Chapel, 6625 E. Main Street in Mesa from 2 to 4 pm on Saturday, February 8, immediately followed by a memorial service and reception at the same location. Burial will take place at the Punchbowl National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, Hawaii. Donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley in Phoenix, Arizona, or to the American Cancer Society.
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February 9, 2014
Tina Joy
As Sandy's hairdresser I have truly enjoyed seeing her every saturday for the past 13 years. Always interesting , delightful conversations. Sandy always kind and cheerful and genuine loving person. I will miss her dearly. I will always be grateful to have gotten to know her all these years. Saturdy 's 12:30 appt will always feel her absence. God bless you Sandy and to her family.
February 7, 2014
Phyllis Lopat
Sandi was dedicated, supportive and driven for her teachers, students and co-workers at GPS. I loved how caring, kind and enthusiastic she was with everyone she came in contact. I will miss her greatly, how lucky I was to have known her.
February 5, 2014
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. MAY YOU DRAW CLOSE TO OUR LOVING GOD BY READING HIS WORD, AND FIND COMFORT IN THE HOPE THAT HE GIVES US ALL : OF SEEING OUR LOVED ONES AGAIN IN A BEAUTIFUL NEW PARADISE HERE ON EARTH.
February 4, 2014
Linda Jones
Sandi lead with such conviction, enthusiasm and compassion. Her light will shine brightly in our hearts. May your family find comfort from a life well-lived.
February 4, 2014
Sue Noel
Sandi led by example and many of us are better teachers for having her as a mentor. I'll try to match her enthusiasm and tenacity, and continue on the path she put me on. Her work will continue on as her legacy in our school district and our state.
February 4, 2014
Janet
My sympathies in the loss of your Mother. She was very accomplished and will surely be missed. May you find comfort from the God who gives comfort (1Cor. 1:3,4)
February 3, 2014
I am so happy to have spent time with Sandi and Sam ,such wonderful people ! My prayers go out to Terry and the family ,God Bless you all,
DeFloy Dick ,Bryan Ohio
February 3, 2014
Tammy Fultz
I will miss your expertise and your hugs!
Tammy
February 3, 2014
Jerry Mackel
What a joy for me the learn of such a well lived and beautiful life. I had lost track. Sandi and I shared a high school romance and she will always have a special place in my heart. Always bright and always perky. She made me laugh and smile.
Jerry (Huntertown HS class of 63)
February 3, 2014
Ruth Ryan
My deepest sympathies at the loss of a beautiful lady. The difference she made in the lives of so many children will never be forgotten.
Ruth Ryan
February 3, 2014
Karen Buntschuh
What an amazing woman! You will be missed. My sympathies to the family.
February 3, 2014
Karen Falls Murach
sending my prayers to all your family may God Bless you will be miss but you are in peace now
February 3, 2014
Diane Hess-Archer
May the Lord comfort family & friends in your grief. Sandi left a loving legacy.
"Well done Good and Faithful Servant."
February 2, 2014
Robert W Hafield Sr.
Deepest sympathies to Sandra's. family and closest and maney friends.
February 2, 2014
Elaine Lengacher
My deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with Sandi's family, and friends. I considered it a privilege to be your friend. I will miss you. May you rest in peace, dear friend.
February 2, 2014
annie horne
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
February 2, 2014
Gone too soon, you leave a legacy that will live on forever. Although I was your secretary, you made me part of your team and I treasure that and your friendship. You will be forever in my heart. My love, Nancy
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
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