Sandra Eleanor Loyer

Sandra E. Loyer of Ann Arbor, Michigan, passed away peacefully with family at her side on October 5. 2022 at age 82. She was the daughter of the late Theron and Eleanor Aiken of Pittsburgh, PA. Sandy was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 45 years, Edward C. Loyer, her sons Christopher M. Loyer and Timothy B. Loyer, and her brother Theron E. “Ted” Aiken.

She is survived by her devoted son Joshua E. Loyer, and his wife Mary, her brother Jeffrey A. Aiken, her sister Deborah A. Myers and brother-in-law Bill, her sister-in-law Martha L. Basile, and her daughters-in-law Allison Loyer and Christine Loyer. Also left to cherish her memory are three grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, six nieces and nephews and their spouses, and 11 great-nieces and nephews. Sandy was grateful for the many supportive friends whom she treasured through the years. She instilled the value of friendship in her children who followed her example by forging life-long friendships themselves.

A graduate of Dormont High School in Pittsburgh, PA, Sandy graduated from Ohio University with a degree in Sociology. While at Ohio, she met her future husband at a Movement and Pantomime class, where she was assigned to Ed as a partner. Ed helped her through what she thought was an easy A class, and quickly the two formed a union built on a foundation of love like no other.

With her degree in Sociology, Sandy began working as a social worker in Pittsburgh. But soon, Chris came along, then Tim, and Ed’s job took the family to Ann Arbor. Their third son, Josh, joined the family, rounding out a family unit for whom Sandy was forever proud of and devoted.

Once her children were well established in school. Sandy received her Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan and became licensed as a clinical social worker. She worked at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital as a clinical social worker for 4 years. She then moved to the University of Michigan Health System where her career spanned twenty-two years, including the spinal cord injury unit, a job that caused many of her friends to ask, “How do you manage through such difficult work?” to which she would reply, “Because I truly enjoy providing people with hope.” Following U of M, Sandy became a Military Family Life Consultant, one of the most meaningful experiences in her life. In this role, she provided much needed counseling to soldiers returning from Iraq while stationed at military bases in Hawaii, Kentucky, Alaska and New York.

Always willing to embrace change, Sandy often expressed gratitude for experiencing life over her many decades - from WWII to Rock and Roll to the Civil Rights Movement to the advent of the Internet and online therapy counseling. Sandy lived a life guided by values and commitment to her family. She had a wonderful sense of humor, was an excellent listener, a counselor and therapist to many, and most importantly, a devoted wife and mother who loved her family above all.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, October 23, at 3:00 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor, 608 E. William St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104. A reception to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Arbor Hospice, 2366 Oak Valley Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48103, or Michigan Radio 535 W. William St., Suite 110. Ann Arbor, MI 48103