Sandra Lee Nelson

Sandra Lee Nelson [Cauffman] born August 7, 1943, the 4th of 5 children, to Paul Harold Cauffman and Rosean Cauffman [Courtney], died December 29, 2023 at the age of 80. The last living sibling; her oldest brother Wallace Paul Cauffman preceded her in death by just 3 days, at the age of 94. Also deceased are siblings: Dewayne Earl Cauffman, Hazel Loann Jaskowiak [Cauffman] and Dale Frank Cauffman.

Born at home in Monroe, WA when doctors still made house calls, mom spent her first hours swaddled and placed in a bureau drawer for warmth. She happily recalled the many places the family lived; from modest homes in town, to small rural farms. These were simpler times when drive-in movies, picnics, family road trips and hanging out with cousins, close in age, made for summer fun and adventure.

Mom attended public schools in Sultan and Monroe, WA, where she graduated high school in 1961. She was popular in school on the social scene and made good grades. After marriage, three children and a divorce, mom refocused on her career ambitions as an employee with the State of Washington DSHS. She worked for the state for nearly 30 years, beginning in a clerical unit in 1981 and retiring from a management position in 2010. Over her career, mom won awards and recognition numerous times. Most notably, she was honored as employee of the year in 1987. Colleagues, many who remained her lifelong friends, remember her compassionate leadership, strong work ethic and joyful spirit. Having walked in their shoes, she had a special talent for treating welfare clients with kindness and respect. They are the customer, she would insist.

Mom loved the television shows she grew up with and the trivia they spawned. She loved a good football game at any level, the music of Johnny Cash, and observing nature and wildlife. She loved shopping and most of all, she loved talking with friends and family; especially on the phone. Following a heart attack and other health setbacks, she began ending phone calls with her signature sign off--"bye bye".

In life, our mother collected angels of every kind, size and variety. She believed loved ones who preceded you in death, become the Guardian Angels of family left behind.

Memories, even cherished ones, can be cruel; sorrow, too often the price of their comfort. So, it is with both sorrow and cherished memories, we say our final "bye bye" to our mother; forever our Guardian, our Angel.

Sandra is survived by her three sons [Wayne, Jim and Scott Nelson], her daughter in-laws [Terri and Marie Nelson], their children and extended family; including seven grandchildren [Keith, Mike, Ryley, Nicolas, and Paige Nelson, as well as Vince and Vance Jared] and nine great grandchildren [Armani, Elana, and Arya Nelson, Vance junior, Valan, Verik and Brady Jared, as well as Sofia Galan and Montana Stephenson].

A graveside service will be held at the Sultan City Cemetery (Cascade View Drive, Sultan, WA) on Friday February 16, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. Family, friends, classmates and work colleagues are all welcome.