Sandra Marie Werner

September 24, 1956 – April 23, 2024

Sandra Marie (Schaaf) Werner, 67, a long-time resident of Mercer Island and native of Washington State, passed away on April 23, 2024, following a courageous five-year battle with cancer. Sandy, as she was affectionately known, departed peacefully, surrounded by her loving family. Sandy exemplified resilience, grace, and dignity, especially during her illness. Sandy was kind, generous, and forgiving. She embraced each moment and enjoyed creating countless family memories.

Sandy graduated from Ingraham High School in 1974 and spent her career working in Human Resources for the City of Seattle and King County. Sandy made many friends during these years, many of whom remained close even after her retirement. Always generous with her time and talents, Sandy volunteered countless hours at Eastside Catholic School, where her sons attended high school, and with the American Diabetes Association.

An enthusiastic traveler and lover of outdoors, Sandy was an avid boater and cherished her time on the waters of the San Juan Islands aboard the "Love Is," her pride and joy. Sandy has been actively involved with the Queen City Yacht Club since 1992 and regularly volunteered her incredible organizational skills to the Club. She achieved a remarkable milestone in 2019, when she became the first female Commodore of the 100-year-old Yacht Club.

Whether fishing for fresh catch or skiing with Chas in Sun Valley, Sandy loved the outdoors and found solace and joy in nature's embrace. Her love for travel and adventure extended to her many visits to her sister in Hawaii and her trips to Florida and Ohio to visit family.

Sandra Marie Werner is survived by her devoted husband, Charles Werner; loving sister, Dr. Jennifer Walker, and her husband Chad; her children, Nick (and wife Jackie) and Jack; stepchildren Chip (and wife Ali) and Christine (and husband Erik), along with their beautiful families, including grandchildren Charlie, Teddy, Emily, Luke, and Will.

Sandy was preceded in death by her mother Mary (Greiner) Junnila and her father Kurt Schaaf.

She will be deeply missed by her family, her large circle of friends, and all who were touched by her warmth and kindness.

Sandy's legacy of love and strength will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew her. She leaves behind a rich tapestry of memories and an enduring spirit that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.

A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, May 20, 2024 at St. Monica’s Catholic Church 4301 88th Ave SE Mercer Island, WA. beginning at 11:00am.

A celebration of Sandy's life will be held on Saturday June 1, 2024 at 2:00pm at Queen City Yacht Club, Seattle WA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Diabetes Association.