SANDRA G MCDONALD

December 2, 1948 - November 20, 2022

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Sandra Gail (Smith) McDonald, age 73, passed away peacefully November 20, 2022, at the William Childs Hospice House after a brief decline in health. She was born December 2, 1948, in Barnabus, West Virginia to William Hubert and Ruth Elizabeth (Wells) Smith. After graduating from Matewan High School in 1965, she moved to Melbourne, Florida and met the love of her life, Alva Julian McDonald. They married in 1966 and were married 43 years when he preceded her in death in 2009.

Sandra worked in a variety of roles throughout her life, all revolving around serving and helping others. She was a medical office assistant for many years, an ESE classroom teacher’s aide, and a school office assistant serving K-12 students throughout her career. However, Sandra would tell you her most important job was spending the formative years of her children’s lives at home with them, singing, loving, and learning alongside them.

Sandra suffered a severe stroke in 2000 which left her unable to work. Despite various setbacks, smaller strokes, rehab centers, and therapies, she enjoyed the next 22 years with family by her side. Favorites included watching CBS soap operas, talk shows, Hallmark Christmas movies, a good burger, and all things chocolate. Her big smile and infectious laugh will be missed by many.

Sandra is survived by her son Alva Daniel McDonald, daughter Julie Anne Switzer (Kevin); sisters Estella Stollings and Deborah Rudy (Robert); brothers Robert “Larry” Smith (Kathy) and Richard “Rick” Smith (Zebbie); two grandchildren, Nathaniel Switzer and Elijah Switzer; plus, many nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were also brothers William “Tom” Smith, Michael “Mickey” Smith (Linda), Allen “David” Smith, and brother-in-law, Jack Stollings. All of these she loved and touched deeply.

While no formal service will be held, Island Cremations & Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. An informal service will be held in heaven. She’ll see you when you get there.