Elizabeth "Sandy" Kubica

1932 - 2017

Elizabeth "Sandy" Kubica obituary, 1932-2017

Elizabeth Kubica Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 7, 2017.

Elizabeth Ann "Sandy" Sanford Kubica passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 23, 2017, at home in Salinas, CA, at the age of 85. She had been in robust health for most of her life, so it was a surprise when she was diagnosed with a malignant cancer near the end of April. She experienced no pain or symptoms. A hospital visit due to a fall uncovered the tumors and a prognosis of just weeks or months to live. Fortunately, she remained pain-free, cheerful, and engaged with loved ones until her last day. She was loving, witty and sweet throughout it all, as she was visited by a steady flow of friends and family for the two months prior to her passing. She was surrounded by love.

Born on January 17, 1932, in Schenectady, New York, as the eldest child of Leonard and Vivian Sanford, Elizabeth Ann Sanford was named for her maternal grandmother, Elizabeth "Libby" LeClaire Mongeon, who had died before Sandy's birth. Sandy had two younger brothers: Jim, born January 10, 1934, and Dick, born January 13, 1935. All three siblings shared the same birth week! Her father, Leonard, was a New York Telephone Company repairman. Her mother, Vivian, graduated from the University of Vermont with a degree in economics, which served their family well in weathering the Depression.

Vivian taught Sandy to be kind and generous, to share what she had; it was said they had an "easy mark" on their house, as all of the hobos knew they could come to the kitchen door and would be given something to eat. Sandy learned to be frugal, such as going to the butcher and getting the bones and cuts of meat that might otherwise be thrown away, and yet always making sure the family had enough food to share with those in need. Through careful budgeting, Vivian always managed to have enough money left over to go to the cinema for a date nigh with Leonard at the end of the week; this taught Sandy to be frugal, but to have enough left over for some fun. When Sandy was young, Vivian encouraged her to have compassion for a new family in the neighborhood that had escaped Nazi Germany; thus Sandy's best friend became a redheaded Jewish immigrant, Ursula Simon. Sandy started babysitting at a young age, which helped her fund her adventures with Ursula, such as horseback riding and skiing. Sandy bought an old pair of skis from a neighbor, and she learned how to ski during a high school trip, forging her love for the sport far before it was popular. She was on her high school basketball and softball teams, always athletic and keeping moving. Her least favorite subject at Mont Pleasant High School was Latin, which her mother insisted upon, as Sandy had wanted to take French, due to her French-Canadian family; however, the Latin served her well as the foundation for the medical terms used in her chosen profession of nursing.

Always smart and a hard-worker, Sandy earned her nursing degree on a full scholarship from State University of New York, Plattsburgh, in 1953, which was then called New York State Teachers College, Plattsburgh. Known as "Betty Ann" as a child, she adopted the nickname "Sandy" when four other girls in her dorm were also named Betty; to keep the confusion down, they took nicknames based on their last names. She kept the nickname after she met a young man named Andy; "Andy and Sandy" was just too cute! The couple met during Sandy's junior year of college when she was doing her nursing rotation at a hospital where she befriended a woman who became the roommate of Julia Kubica, Andy's mother. Julia was a romantic and approved of the young couple in love. Sandy's mother insisted that she finish her degree before getting married. Sandy graduated in June of 1953, and was married to Andrew Kubica on July 18, 1953, at St. Luke's Church, Schenectady, New York. The reception was held at the GE Women's Club, with the food inside and the reception on the lawn on a day when it was 90 degrees and 90% humidity. As Sandy said, "We were dying from the heat!" The party then moved back to the Sanford's house, where the couple departed, after which someone brought a keg of beer and the party continued! They even invited the postman to join in as he delivered the Saturday mail!

The couple honeymooned in Maine, where they rented a cottage. It was supposed to be a two week honeymoon, but after a week, Andy, who had been laid off by GE shortly before the wedding, called in and learned he had an interview in Baltimore, Maryland. Always one to rise to the occasion and be flexible, Sandy drove Andy to the Boston airport in his 1951 Mercury four-door sedan which he'd been given by his father when he graduated from Syracuse University. Sandy called her maid of honor, Frances Halihand, whose family had a camp and cottage on a lake nearby in Litchfield, Connecticut, and stayed with them until Andy returned. The couple's first "home" was a camp on the Hudson River, just beyond Corinth. When they arrived, the kitchen was full of leaves and the water leaked when the faucet was turned on. As always, Sandy made the best of a bad situation and considered it just the first of many adventures she'd have in her marriage to Andy.

Andy and Sandy moved around the country as Andy's work as an aerospace engineer during the Space Race dictated. They spent a stint in Seattle, Washington, where the damp climate gave Sandy such bad bronchitis that Andy insisted on taking her back to New York "before he had to take her home in a pine box." In 1955, they settled in Buffalo, New York, where they successively had their first three daughters: Kathy, Judy, and Susan. In 1960, they then moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where their fourth daughter, Cheryl was born. Finally, the family relocated to Los Angeles in 1962 when Andy was offered an aerospace engineering position with Rocketdyne/Boeing. Andy always wanted to have a ranch in Montana; instead, he had a ranch-style house in the San Fernando Valley! Sandy and Andy raised their girls there, and took care of Andy's mother, Julia, till the end of her life. In 1971, at the age of 39, Sandy gave birth to their fifth daughter, Jackie.

In 1974, Sandy decided to return to work and renewed her nursing credentials to become a school nurse for the Los Angeles Unified School District. This gave Sandy and Andy more "wiggle room" in their budget, as they'd been raising five daughters on a single income. Andy's starting income with Rocketdyne had been $14,400 per year. But even on such a budget, that didn't stop Sandy and Andy from having continuous adventures with their daughters, as well as being generous with them and their families as they became adults. At first, Sandy traveled to multiple schools each week. Eventually, she was given a permanent position at Leichman High School and Career Transition Center for special education students. Sandy thrived there and was a beloved by both co-workers and students, and she held that position until she retired in 1993. Sandy was a nurse at heart, often helping whenever she saw a need. She was known to keep a well-stocked first aid kit in the car, and on several occasions was a first-responder at roadside accidents. She took the Girl Scout Motto, "Be prepared", to heart, always willing to lend a hand to those in need.

Sandy was an avid Girl Scout throughout her life, beginning as a young girl and continuing as a leader for her young daughters. In the mid 1960's, Sandy attended a Girl Scout leaders meeting where a woman named Barbara Campbell was wearing a ski sweater while giving a presentation. Sandy could barely wait for the presentation to end before she strode up to Barbara without so much as an introduction before exclaiming, "Where do you go skiing?" The two had a discussion about skiing which was parlayed into Barbara's declaration that her family had a cabin at Long Lake, outside of Bishop, California, and the off-hand comment that Sandy and her kids should join her sometime. Sandy's response was, "Okay! When?" A few weeks later, Sandy, her four young daughters in tow, was hiking the two miles up into the Sierra Nevada Mountains for their first of many trips to the cabin at Long Lake. Both Barbara and Sandy's husbands worked long hours, Bob as an accountant and Andy as an engineer; so the women formed a fast friendship which enabled them to go on many camping adventures together, kids in tow, during the summer months, and skiing during the winter. Barbara loved the Sierra Nevada Mountains, particularly Mammoth, but for quick weekend day trips to ski, the families would head to Wrightwood, California, about an hour away from their homes in the San Fernando Valley. On one of those weekend trips, Sandy and the kids waited at the car, as Barbara took an unusually long time in the lodge. When she hopped into the car, Barbara declared, "I signed us up for Ski Patrol!" Sandy gasped, to which Barbara replied, "Well, I told them you're a nurse!" So the two mothers became members of the Table Mountain Ski Patrol, and the kids joined the ski team, which meant that the only members of the family who had to buy tickets to ski were the husbands! Barbara has said that she knew that whenever she asked Sandy to do anything, her response would be an enthusiastic, "Yes!" Then they'd figure out the logistics afterwards!

Girl Scouts were an integral part of life for Sandy and Barbara, as well as their children. Barbara was the leader of the Senior Girl Scout Trailblazer Troop, Alta Sierra, so Sandy became the troop nurse, heretofore remembered respectively as "Bambi" and "Bones". Years before their own daughters were old enough to be members of Alta Sierra, the two best friends showed their daughters how to be strong, independent, self-sufficient hikers and outdoorswomen, as they led Girl Scout Wilderness Encampments, camps at Cottontail, Camp Lakota, and Horseshoe Lake, as well as trips. In 1974, one of the highlights of the troop year was a three-week camping trip through Canada. Beforehand, Sandy read up on bears and found a little-known trick to keep bears away. Barbara never questioned Sandy's insistence upon bringing gallons upon gallons of ammonia with them. Every night, after the camp had been set up, Sandy took a gallon of ammonia and traced an unbroken circle of ammonia around the camp; they didn't have a single bear encounter, even when people at campsites nearby did. The two friends had experienced plenty of bear encounters on previous trips, and their bear stories are legendary, especially one in which Barbara punched a bear in the nose through the tent fabric! Barbara and Sandy's friendship stood strong throughout the troop's existence and beyond, and they attended Alta Sierra reunions together as recently as 2015.

Sandy and Andy's home was always open to old and new friends, with another place set at the table. Visitors were always welcome, and the daughters grew up with a steady stream of visitors. If family or friends came to visit California, Sandy and Andy would become default tour guides, taking their guests for tours around the state. It was expected that when the family would travel, they would impose on their friends in kind. Sandy and Andy's generous nature showed through as they opened their house not only to people they knew, but to backpackers they or their daughters would meet on their travels. As the daughters became adults, they always knew that if they met someone along the way, it was fine to offer them a place to stay at the family home if their journey took them to Los Angeles. Sandy and Andy hosted strangers from Holland, Germany, South Africa, Japan, etc. Later, when the grandchildren were in school or youth groups, nothing would make Sandy and Andy happier than to have a group of youngsters come stay with them. Their door was always open, and there was always plenty of food to share!

Sandy enjoyed traveling and camping with the many generations of her family. The summers in the San Fernando Valley are hot, and so Sandy would often pack up the travel trailer and take the girls to visit or camp somewhere else. As she said, "It costs just as much to feed you at home or somewhere else, and if we're camping, I'm saving money on the air conditioning bills!" They'd often visit friends like the Campbell's in Mammoth or the McKinney's in Yosemite. Locally, they often camped at Leo Carillo State Beach. They also took four trips across the country to visit family in New York over the years; Andy was proud that he could drive from LA to New York in five days! But by far the family's favorite vacation spot was Meeks Bay at Lake Tahoe, California. Andy received three weeks paid vacation every year, and he'd take it at the end of August up until Labor Day. Andy and Sandy would each drive, one pulling the travel trailer, the other pulling the fishing boat. Sandy quickly learned that inviting another girl along helped the daughters to get along better, so the sisters would rotate bringing friends; after all, if you have five girls already, why not bring a sixth? The girls already knew how to fish, thanks to their early Girl Scout experience, but during the trips to Tahoe, they learned how to water ski behind the old fishing boat! As the daughters became adults, the camping became less, as Sandy purchased a time-share at a condo in South Lake Tahoe. Sandy and Andy traveled to Hawaii twice, and Alaska once, as well as making several other trips to visit friends and family in Belgium, Europe, Colorado, Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida, but Meeks Bay was always their favorite destination. Sandy and Andy's last vacation was to Tahoe in 2012.

Sandy's greatest legacy and love was being a Nana to her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was an adoring, involved, and active participant in their lives. She absolutely loved babies, and could instantly bond with a child, calming them and making them smile. When her two eldest daughters, Kathy and Judy, settled in Crowley Lake near Mammoth in the Sierras, and gave birth to her first six grandchildren, Sandy made it a point to spend every single school vacation possible with them, including parking her trailer in Judy's front yard in order to have a "guest room" of her own. When their fourth daughter, Cheryl, lived in Belgium, Nana and Gramps would gladly have Cheryl's children come stay with them for the summer, taking them to the beach or the local pool and park. When their youngest daughter, Jackie, moved back to Los Angeles with her family, Sandy and Andy attended every single school program, recital, awards ceremony, or culmination of their grandchildren without fail. She was the "Room Nana", helping out at any party or function, including four straight years with the Young Shakespeareans, being a jack of all trades, helping out wherever needed. The grandchildren fondly remember quiet evenings sitting by Gramps' roaring fireplace, watching educational shows on the History Channel. In the summer, she'd teach them how to play rummy tiles or backgammon on the beach. In her later years, she "kept her mind sharp", and her grandchildren's too, by teaching them how to play Sudoku. She'd lovingly spoil her grandchildren, often making multiple meals based on whether one wanted mac and cheese, spaghetti, or whatever she and Andy had made for themselves. She'd go to Costco and buy a flat of strawberries, because they were so cheap, and give over half of them away to her children, friends, and neighbors. She was simply generous of spirit.

Saturday afternoons in the fall would find Sandy sitting in front of the television watching college football! She loved a good game and a tall, cold beer, often even more than Andy would. Her favorite teams were UCLA or USC, unless they were playing each other; then she'd vote for Kathy's alma matter, UCLA. She'd shout loudly, especially at live games when her grandson, Gabriel, was playing for Azusa Pacific University. When asked why she preferred college football to professional, her response was simple, "They get paid in the NFL. These kids have heart!"

Sundays were days for church, after Nana's Sunday Eggs, of course. She was born Catholic, and had her First Communion, Confirmation and wedding at St. Luke's Church in Schenectady. After moving to Los Angeles, she was a member of St. Mel's in Woodland Hills. In 1980, she became a Born Again Christian, and eventually found a home with the congregation at Hope Chapel Foursquare Church in Canoga Park. Sandy loved her women's group, mid-week mini-church Bible study, and volunteering in the nursery during Sunday services once a month. She was actively involved in missionary programs, and hosted two couples from South Africa during the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. After moving to Salinas, she was happy when accompanying her daughter, Cheryl, to Shoreline Church in Monterey. She loved singing in worship, and knew all of the standard gospel songs. Sandy had a deep, abiding love of God.

In her later years, Sandy, her husband, and their beloved dog, Skip, moved to Villa Sera/Sunrise Assisted Living in Salinas in 2010. As a nurse, Sandy had watched her mother-in-law, Julia, suffer from "senility." In her 70's, Sandy began to recognize signs of dementia in herself. She accepted the diagnosis, and she began treatment to try to slow the effects. By 2010, both Sandy and Andy needed more help at home, so their daughters moved them up near Monterey, where their daughter, Susan, who is a doctor, could facilitate and supervise their care. They spent seven years happily at Villa Sera, close to Susan, Cheryl and Cheryl's children. Sandy was the extrovert greeter, always checking in on the other residents. She spearheaded a reading group called, "Let Us Read to You" where those residents who still could read easily read aloud to those who couldn't. Days would find her in the game room, solving puzzles, or attending events at the facility; she especially loved musical events where she could sing or dance! Shortly before Sandy's unexpected diagnosis, Andy needed more care, and they moved next door to Madonna Manor. It was in perfect timing, as just over a month later, Sandy fell ill. The staff at Madonna Manor was gentle, gracious, kind and loving to Sandy, Andy, and their family throughout her last days. Her family believes she finished her life exactly as she wanted to; she didn't want to "lose all her marbles" and not recognize her loved ones, and her illness was severe enough but with enough notice that almost all of her decedents were able to come visit her one last time. She was pain free and was able to spend her last week in the company of four of her daughters, even having pizza parties and sleep overs right up until her last night with us. She died as she lived, with sweetness, love and humor.

Sandy was the beloved wife of Andrew Kubica for 63 years. She was the loving mother of 5 daughters: Kathy (and Phil) Higerd, Judith Jackson, Susan Kubica M.D., Cheryl Kubica, and Jacquelyn Kubica-Aronoff. She was an adoring, involved, and active Nana of her eleven grandchildren: Ryan, Jordan and David Joel Nisbeth; Garrett, Gabriel, Hannah and Grant Higerd; Rowan and Caitlin Meert; and Daniel and Elizabeth Aronoff; as well as her eight great-grandchildren: Caroline, Jude, Annabelle, Reed, Grace, Gideon, Rose, and James Higerd. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Vivian Sanford, and her two brothers, Jim and Dick.

Our family is especially appreciative of the excellent care by the staff that facilitated our parents' independence at Villa Serra, the outstanding nursing care they received at Madonna Manor, and the amazing support of Virginia Castillo, Michelle Cardenas, Samantha Acheta, and Martha and Jorge DelValle from Dr. Kubica's office.

Sandy answered to "Nana" for far more than her own offspring; she'd lovingly embrace scouts in her troop, her children's friends, as well as those of her grandchildren, without fail. Her quick wit, caring spirit, generous nature and loving heart left their mark on all who knew her. She was a genuinely good person and easy to love.

Cards and Remembrances may be sent to: Kubica, 122 Hammond Rd., Monterey, CA, 93940. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be given to help needy girls in the San Fernando Valley attend Camp Lakota. Website: https://girlscoutsla.thankyou4caring.org.

Service Times:
Memorial Service: 1:30 pm, Friday, July 14, at Villa Sera, 1320 Padre Dr., Salinas, CA
Visitation: 4-7 pm, Friday, July 14, at The Paul Mortuary, 390 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, CA
Funeral: 10 am, Saturday, July 15, at Monterey City Cemetery, 601 Freemont St, Monterey, CA
Reception at The Paul Mortuary to follow the graveside service.



Arrangements under the direction of The Paul Mortuary, Pacific Grove, CA.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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July 5, 2021

Family

Susan Kubica

I feel your joy and happiness all the time now Mom, in so many little ways. Sending you love and peace.

November 15, 2017

I just heard of Sandy's passing. Our deepest sympathies to all of you.

Rebecca Pitkin Fasulo for Richard W Pitkin and family

July 27, 2017

Jackie Kubica-Aronoff

Special thanks to Ali Smith-Blake for her donation to the Girl Scouts of Los Angeles, from one Scout in memory of another, our mother.

July 20, 2017

Susan Kubica

Thank you to Erin and Susan Lee for their donation to Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles on Mom's behalf.

July 20, 2017

Susan Kubica

Thank you to Gail Chambers for her donation to Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles on Mom's behalf.

July 20, 2017

Susan Kubica

Thank you to Carol Shively for her donation to the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles on Mom's behalf.

July 17, 2017

Mona Shah

Dearest Kubica Family,
I have many lovely memories with Jackie and her wonderful family during my high school years and want to relay my deepest condolences to you all.

July 10, 2017

Such marvelous photos and memories you all have to share. What a beautiful tribute to an incredible lady. Lots of love to your whole family. -Ali and the Smiths & Blakes

July 9, 2017

I wished i could have spent time getting to know Elizabeth. Thank You for the gift of your wonderful daughter, my dear friend Judy. My life is brighter because of Judy❤❤❤❤ RIP Elizabeth.

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Memorial Events
for Elizabeth Kubica

Jul

14

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

The Paul Mortuary

390 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Jul

14

Memorial service

1:30 p.m.

Villa Sera

1320 Padre Dr, Salinas, CA

Jul

15

Graveside service

10:00 a.m.

Monterey City Cemetery

601 Freemont St, Monterey, CA

Funeral services provided by:

The Paul Mortuary

390 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

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