Philomene Mary (Phil) Sandifer

Phil was preceded in death by P.L. (Sandy) Sandifer, her husband of fifty-three years and daughter Sue Blount, both in 2010, and grandson John Sandifer and granddaughter Amy Russell. She leaves behind son Greg and wife Cathy, son in law Mike Blount, son Gary, son Mike and wife Linda, son Dave and wife Trudy, and son Jim, fourteen grandchildren and twenty-five great grandchildren.

Phil was raised in Modesto, California with her two brothers Hank and Ed, by their very loving parents, Ed and Monica Rotticci. She graduated from Modesto high school in 1945, and went on to be crowned Miss Modesto the following year. She worked as a bank teller after the war.

Phil married Sandy Sandifer, a widower living in Cupertino, with three children, in 1957. She instantly became a mom and a homemaker. By 1960, they had three more sons and the family had grown to include six children. Mom and Dad were the pillars of our family. They weren’t our friends, they were our parents, giving us both love and direction.

On a hot summer day in 1966, with Mom driving and the kids complaining, we moved to Fresno, California. Dad had been promoted, and was managing an insurance office there. She was always very supportive of Dad, and they had a very traditional and loving relationship. They were always together. As a caring mother she made sure our clothes were clean, there was food on the table, and our needs were met.

In later life, Mom and Dad lived in Auburn, California and also had a cabin at Donner Lake. After Dad passed away, Mom moved back to the Fresno area to be close to her son Jim.

She was a very classy lady and a lover of life. She was outgoing, enjoyed people and lively conversation. She laughed easily, and had a great sense of humor. Phil will be missed by her family and all her many friends.