Sandra

Sandy’s faith in Jesus was central to her life and outlook. The song “God Will Make a Way” was a favorite song and characterizes how she approached life. She was a loving, cheerful, positive person. No matter how sick she felt or how much pain she was in she would get up, put on pretty sparkly clothes, jewelry and make-up and find ways to be productive. She most definitely was independent and resourceful. She created a warm home and welcomed all who visited with a servant’s heart and, of course, home cooked food. She was a good listener and had deep compassion for the suffering of others. She was quick witted, often delivering a really funny one-liner! She was very creative and made beautiful ceramic pottery, wreaths and other crafts. Her favorite colors were blue & rose pink. Her favorite food was Five Guys peanut butter milkshake and a hamburger with ketchup and pickles.

We have a big family and we are very close. Until COVID, every Tuesday, we had FamJam at Grams. Sandy looked forward to this and spent the week planning what dessert she would make. Family and friends would come from work, have dinner together and play some type of family game. Her favorite games were hot potato, bean bag toss and Guesstures.

Sandy was born in Meadville, PA. She lived in Windsor Locks, CT, Cerritos, CA and Largo, FL among other places before moving to Western MA in 2014. She is predeceased by her husband, John (Jack) V. Leonard, Sr. She is survived by 5 step-children John Leonard, Jr., Cheryl Masiello, Kevin Leonard, Timothy Leonard and Dennis Leonard.

She is predeceased by her sister Carol Pero and her brother Bill Manual. She is survived by her sister Kathy Brown and her brothers John Manual, Art Price, Jr., Walter Price, Al Price and Jeffrey Deeter as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her son, James (Jim) McCracken, Sr. and his wife Ruth of Enfield, CT as well as grandchildren J.J. McCracken and his partner Louise, Heather Murphy and her husband, Andrew Brian Murphy (deceased), Joshua McCracken, Evan McCracken and Michael McCracken and great-grandchildren Madison, Caroline and Sophia.

She is also survived by her daughter Connie Bray and her husband, Bob of Chicopee MA as well as grandchildren Bobby Bray, Joe Bray and his partner Sasha, Brianna Bray, Matt Reid and family friend Stacy Sexton and great-grandchildren Tristen, Gillian, Ava, Aubriella and Lilliana.

Additionally, she is survived by her daughter Natalie Bys of Chicopee, MA and Barry as well as grandchildren Brian Deschaine, Jr. and his wife Kylene, Brad Deschaine and his wife Stephanie, Tabitha Bys and Lydia Bys and great-grandchildren Alex, B.J. Luke, Zachary and Tim.

The family would like to acknowledge the health care providers who went above and beyond in these last months of her life. Professional Medical Services, West Mass. Elder Care, Sarawood Assisted Living, Bear Mountain at W. Springfield, Summit Elder Care at Springfield and BayState Medical Center Springfield 1. Special shout outs to: Dr. Nathan Abare, Dr. Brian Wasserman, Dr. Rajiv Padmanabhan; Donna Bys and Asha (Joanna) Wnek from Professional Medical Services; Jenny, Jessica and Darlene from Unit 4 at Bear Mountain; Lisa DiLuzio from Sarawood; Trina Cysk, Lisa Clear, Mabel Santiago and Tony, Sarah and Mark from Summit Elder Care. You gave us the gift of more time with her!

My mom’s passion was rescuing animals. Bandit and Ninja gave her joy during these last few years. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your local animal rescue organization in her memory.

Family and friends are asked to meet at 2PM on Thursday, January 28,2021 at New Funeral & Cremation Center, LLC, 25 Mill Street, Springfield, MA, where a procession will form to the Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Agawam, MA for a 3PM burial service.

A Zoom memorial service will be held at 6:30PM. that evening.

For expressions of sympathy please visit www.nefcc.net