Sandra S. Huegel

Sandra S. Huegel, 90, passed away peacefully from complications of Parkinson’s on April 30, 2024 at Luther Crest Health Care Center, Allentown, PA. “Sandy”, “Mom”, “Momma”, “Grandma” was born and raised in Northfield, Minnesota. She graduated from Northfield High School where she was voted homecoming queen of her senior class. She attended St. Olaf College, graduating with high honors. During her summers, Sandy worked on the SS North American steamship which traveled the Great Lakes. She was a waitress and an entertainer, singing and dancing for the ship’s guests. It was always one of her secret ambitions to be on Broadway one day. After college, Sandy moved to NYC where she met her husband Walter who was in seminary studying to be a Lutheran minister. They married and moved to Central NY, where they raised their family of six children. While managing her busy household, she earned her nursing degree from MVCC and eventually became Director of Nursing at the Sitrin Home in Utica, NY. Sandy’s crowning achievement in her professional life was starting and growing Central NY Hospice from one paid employee (herself as Executive Director) to a highly successful organization. When she started CNY Hospice in 1981 there was a limited budget, barely enough to pay her salary. After 12 years under her leadership and together with a great team, the budget grew to $3.4M with 90 employees and 160 volunteers. She also proudly served as President of the NY State Hospice Board from 1988-1990, often traveling to Albany to lobby for patients’ rights. Sandy was a dedicated mother, loving grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt, expert bridge and Scrabble player, NY Times crossword aficionado, musing poet, creative quilter and artist, avid golfer, sports enthusiast, Wild Cherry Association Board president, and a good and kind friend to so many. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, associates and caregivers who admired her strong Viking spirit, her keen wit and intelligence, and her interest in and compassion for others. “Mom” had a big heart and a loving smile that welcomed everyone. Survivors: Daughter, Gwen, wife of Robin Breslin; sons, David (Beverly), Tom (Dawn), John (Teresa), Jerry (Sarah); thirteen grandchildren, Jordan, Steven, Robert, Andie, Madison, Greg, Marie, Jack, Maite, Alexander, Tatum, Tiago, and Tess; and twin great-granddaughters Izzy and Zoey. Predeceased by: Her husband of 52 years, Walter; beloved daughter Sandy Marie Huegel; parents, Iroll and Gladys Skaar; brothers Iroll, David and Bryce Skaar and sister Coleen Hegvik. Services: A memorial service will be held at Luther Crest, Crest Hall, 800 Hausman Road Allentown PA on Friday June 7, 2024 at 2:30pm. A graveside ceremony will be held at Sunset Hill Cemetery, Clinton NY on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 2:00pm. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care, 4227 Middle Settlement Rd, New Hartford NY 13413 or to Luther Crest Benevolent Fund, Diakon Office, One Home Ave, Topton PA 19562.