Sandy was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She was raised there by her mother and her four older sisters. In 1960, she was courted by Wesley (“Wes”) Oldaker of Butler, Pennsylvania; and they married in 1961. They went on to have two children, Wesley Steven (“Steve”) and Linda.
Her husband’s career led the family from Pennsylvania to Connecticut, and then from Connecticut to Kentucky. And the family flourished. After the kids finished college, Sandy and Wes, as new empty-nesters, made their way to Brunswick, Georgia. They knew in short order they wanted to call the Golden Isles their “forever home” and have done just that.
Sandy worked at the Brunswick News for many years and retired from there. But, as she would tell you herself, her greatest and most fulfilling work was that of being the primary caregiver to her son Steve, who became quadriplegic in 1988. Twice, Sandy was nominated and recognized as a “Caregiver of the Year” by the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers. And deservedly so.
Sandy will be remembered most for how much she loved her two children and how immensely proud she was of them and their accomplishments. She was a “Supermom.” Sandy was also passionate about reading, loved to dance, loved good food, and was fond of dirty martinis.
Sandy is survived by her husband Wes, her daughter Linda (Gerry) Hatcher, her sister Jacqueline (Jerry) Stebler and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her son Steve, her mother Bertha Ketterer, and her sisters Bertha (Elmer) Holmes, Marlyn (Harry) Drost and Carol (Norman) Baehr.
At Sandy’s request, there will be no memorial or funeral service. Instead, kindly think of her on Mothers’ Day.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Hospice of the Golden Isles, 1692 Glynco Parkway, Brunswick, Georgia 31525, www.hospice.me (912) 265-4735.
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