Sandra L Gerken

Sandra was born on March 30, 1941 in Dayton, Ohio and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Bowling Green State University while playing Varsity Field Hockey. While in college she met Fred Gerken and they married in 1963. She started her career teaching elementary school in Ohio and Michigan and ultimately retired from the Pasco County (Florida) School System with 22 years of service. She taught a variety of grades and subjects in Pasco County including English as a Second Language, Elementary (Calusa and Mittye P. Locke), and Science (Bayonet Point Middle School). Sandra was a lifelong learner and teacher. She enriched the lives of those she met and taught.

Sandra’s favorite past time was traveling and camping. In celebration of their 50th Wedding Anniversary Sandra and Fred vacationed in Oregon which marked the completion of them vacationing in all 50 states. Oregon along with Alaska and Hawaii were highlights.

In addition to camping and traveling, Sandra’s interests over the years included: nature (especially butterflies and wildflowers), hiking, wildlife viewing (especially moose), boating, kayaking, Judo (she earned a Brown Belt), snowmobiling, music (she played the accordion and ukulele), dancing (especially kick-line and line-dancing) all things science (especially geology, space, and astronomy).

When not traveling, Sandra (also known as Nanny) enjoyed time spent with her children and grandchildren and enjoying her back yard nature sanctuary, watching the birds, squirrels, and other wildlife.

She is survived by her husband of 52 years (Fred Gerken), two children (Donald Gerken and Lorie Siemion), daughter-in-law (Jocelyn Bayliss), son-in-law (Michael Siemion), four grandchildren (Scott, Krystal, Tyler, and Danielle), three great-grandchildren (Kylie, Emalie, and Gracie) and sister (Barbara Alexandrow).

Although she was a fighter, her life was cut short after a long battle with Leukemia. She defied doctor’s expectations and blessed her family with her presence for 74 years. Memorial gifts may be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) (https://donate.lls.org/lls/donate) or (888) 557-7177).