Sandra Sue Leetch Smith of Austin passed away at home, surrounded by her loving family and friends, on September 23, 2022, at the age of 78. She was born on December 3, 1943, in Bexar County and grew up as an Air Force “brat.” She graduated from Jefferson High School in San Antonio and attended Midwestern State University. She earned her Associate in Science degree from San Antonio College and her Bachelor of Science from Southwest Texas State University. Her career was spent as a biochemist for the University of Texas until her retirement.
Sandie loved to work in her garden creating a flowering landscape worthy of a gardening magazine centerfold. Her other love was traveling the world by cruise ship. She was never happier than when she was at sea. During retirement she took up quilting, creating works of art with fabric and thread.
Her calm outward demeanor denied the adventurer within as she enjoyed backpacking with llamas, returned to the ski slopes at age 60 after not skiing for 20 years, riding Segways through downtown Austin and zip lining in Honduras in her 70s.
Sandie was a devoted wife and loving mother to her children. She is survived by her husband of 58 years James Larry Smith; daughter Jessica Vallejo; grandchildren Megan Smith, Brandon Muriel, Pete Vallejo Jr. and Peyton Vallejo. She is also survived by her sister Liz Young, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Lou Ann and Billy Davis, sister-in-law Laura Byrd and brother-in-law Tom Doyle. Also nieces Dina Taylor and husband David, and Cheryl Givens, along with nephews John, Joel and Brandt Holmes; Lee Stephens; Aaron Byrd; many great- and great-great-nieces and -nephews and a host of friends who all loved Sandie dearly.
She was preceded in death by her son, James Landon Smith, sisters Lorna Doyle and Eve Holmes, and brother Robert Leetch Jr.
The family extends special thanks to Kit, Ronnie and Jean, Lynn and Mike, Fern and Homer and Gloria and Pete Vallejo Sr.
A memorial service for Sandra will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 8, 2022 at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 North Interstate 35, Pflugerville, Texas. Reception to follow at the Smith household.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com for the Smith family.
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