Sandra Jean Tenkel

Tenkel, Sandra Jean (Sandy), aged 81, of Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on May 1, 2024 surrounded by her loving family after a 20 month battle with pancreatic cancer. Sandy was a beacon of light and warmth in the lives of all who knew her.

She was born to Edwin and Zeda Mills on July 15, 1942, at Grace Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. Growing up in Utica, Michigan, she was a proud graduate of Utica High School. Her passion for service to the community led her to enroll in Central Michigan University where she earned a degree in elementary education in 1964. Sandy furthered her studies at Wayne State University earning a Master's of Education in 1969.

Sandy’s life was rich with love and adventure, beginning with a chance meeting with Frank, her soulmate, in 1965 at a ski club meeting. Their love blossomed, leading to marriage in 1967. Son Scott arrived in 1970, and daughter Lisa in 1972. Sandy was an elementary teacher in the Warren Consolidated and Grosse Pointe School systems for almost 30 years. Her last decade of teaching was spent in first grade at Ferry Elementary School near her home. A master teacher, she was devoted to her craft and was beloved by her colleagues, students, and their families.

Sandy retired from teaching in 2000, embracing the next chapter of her life with open arms. In retirement, she dedicated her time to volunteering, enjoying her grandchildren, studying and practicing yoga, starting a book club, traveling domestically and abroad, hosting dinners and holidays for family and friends, and attending performances at the Detroit Symphony and Detroit Opera Theater. She fulfilled her dream of completing spiritual pilgrimages with Fr. Bernie Owen in Italy in November 2015 and the Holy Land in June 2017. Sandy loved helming the family sailboat and was an avid skier, enjoying many trips up north and out west with Snowmass being her favorite ski area. She played golf and walked the Ford House nature preserve with her closest friends even during her illness.

Sandy’s faith was her life’s cornerstone, and she actively lived her faith through her commitment to serving others. A pillar of Saint Lucy Church in St. Clair Shores, she led the earth ministry, taught religious education, hosted many church Christmas parties, and was a vital part of small church and prayer groups. Sandy's volunteer work included teaching adults to read and write at the Dominican Literacy Center in Detroit along with serving the homeless and shut-ins. She was also an officer of the Delta Kappa Gamma professional teaching sorority in Grosse Pointe. Forever an educator and lifelong learner, Sandy chose books over TV with the only exception being 60 Minutes on Sunday and the occasional PBS program.

Sandy leaves behind a profound legacy of love and dedication. She will be forever missed by her devoted husband, Frank; son Scott (Vicki) of Rochester Hills, Michigan; daughter Lisa (John) Rushing of El Segundo, California; grandchildren, Alex, Brendan & Cameron Tenkel, and Jackson Rushing. She is also remembered by her sisters, Judy Wellhausen, Janet Parrott, and Susan McMillan and their husbands, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral mass with livestream to celebrate Sandy's life will be held at Saint Lucy Catholic Church, 23401 Jefferson Ave, St. Clair Shores, Michigan on Saturday, June 15th at 10:00 AM.

Family and friends will be received on June 14th from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan with a prayer service at 7:00 PM. Sandy will be inurned at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township, Michigan.

In honor of her memory, the family requests donations be made to the Dominican Literacy Center, 5555 Conner, Detroit, Michigan 48213, www.dlcliteracy.org.

We invite you to share your photos, memories, and stories of a truly beloved figure as we remember her remarkable life and profound impact on so many people.