Obituary of Sandra E. Stake

Sandra Estell Stone Stake born March 5, 1937 to Ralph and Alma (Simpson) Stone in St. Louis MO. Sandra left this physical world on November 4, 2017 peacefully in her sleep after a 5+ year struggle with Alzheimer's disease. She joins her predeceased life partner of 23 years William Ward in eternal life. Sandra is mourned by her sister Bette Noll of Fairfield California, faithful and loving daughters and their families: Jennifer S. White (Stan) of Cleveland TN, grand-children Kaedee, Sam, and Becky; Amy E. Jessup of Glenville NY and grand-children Kelsey and Skyler. Sandra moved to Schenectady in marriage to Rev. Donald Stake in 1960 and spent the rest of her life in this area. She was an active member at Union Presbyterian church for 26 years, and also worked many jobs after being a stay at home mom through her children's elementary school years. She worked as an Administrative Assistant for the Schenectady School District in the early 70's, as well as at Willig & Gallet Realty. From there she worked at Union College in the Office of Alumni Giving from 1982-1988, several years supporting the RPI Chemistry Department, and then Albany Academy, before her final years of employment at the Ayco Company in Latham before retiring in 2006. Sandra was a great mother to Jennifer and Amy and fully supported all of their academic and extracurricular pursuits throughout their youth and adult lives. She was also very involved with the grand-children, visiting CT and TN frequently, as well as attending soccer games, concerts, plays and even dressing up for Halloween parties. Sandra enjoyed gardening, reading and searching for treasures at garage sales. Her passion was traveling and seeing the world, and she and Bill traveled throughout Europe and the United States during the 90s, having visited wonders such as the great pyramids of Egypt, ancient Greek and Roman ruins, the Grand Canyon, volcanos in Hawaii and glaciers in Alaska. Their favorite place was Hyannis, Cape Cod where they hosted an annual vacation for the whole family for 15 summers until Bill's passing in 2010. It was here that Sandra and Bill relaxed and enjoyed walks on the beach searching for the ever elusive sea glass. Additionally, she adored her "babies", her various cats that kept her company at home throughout the years, Cleopatra and Minerva, and most recently Venus. She was also blessed and grateful for all the wonderful caregivers who made it possible for her to live out her last years in her own apartment. There will be no calling hours however Sandra Estell Stone Stake born March 5, 1937 to Ralph and Alma (Simpson) Stone in St. Louis MO. Sandra left this physical world on November 4, 2017 peacefully in her sleep after a 5+ year struggle with Alzheimer's disease. She joins her predeceased life partner of 23 years William Ward in eternal life. Sandra is mourned by her sister Bette Noll of Fairfield California, faithful and loving daughters and their families: Jennifer S. White (Stan) of Cleveland TN, grand-children Kaedee, Sam, and Becky; Amy E. Jessup of Glenville NY and grand-children Kelsey and Skyler. Sandra moved to Schenectady in marriage to Rev. Donald Stake in 1960 and spent the rest of her life in this area. She was an active member at Union Presbyterian church for 26 years, and also worked many jobs after being a stay at home mom through her children's elementary school years. She worked as an Administrative Assistant for the Schenectady School District in the early 70's, as well as at Willig & Gallet Realty. From there she worked at Union College in the Office of Alumni Giving from 1982-1988, several years supporting the RPI Chemistry Department, and then Albany Academy, before her final years of employment at the Ayco Company in Latham before retiring in 2006. Sandra was a great mother to Jennifer and Amy and fully supported all of their academic and extracurricular pursuits throughout their youth and adult lives. She was also very involved with the grand-children, visiting CT and TN frequently, as well as attending soccer games, concerts, plays and even dressing up for Halloween parties. Sandra enjoyed gardening, reading and searching for treasures at garage sales. Her passion was traveling and seeing the world, and she and Bill traveled throughout Europe and the United States during the 90s, having visited wonders such as the great pyramids of Egypt, ancient Greek and Roman ruins, the Grand Canyon, volcanos in Hawaii and glaciers in Alaska. Their favorite place was Hyannis, Cape Cod where they hosted an annual vacation for the whole family for 15 summers until Bill's passing in 2010. It was here that Sandra and Bill relaxed and enjoyed walks on the beach searching for the ever elusive sea glass. Additionally, she adored her "babies", her various cats that kept her company at home throughout the years, Cleopatra and Minerva, and most recently Venus. She was also blessed and grateful for all the wonderful caregivers who made it possible for her to live out her last years in her own apartment. There will be no calling hours however the family plans to hold a memorial service in the spring. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Sandra's memory can be made to the Animal Protective Foundation, 53 Maple Avenue, Scotia, NY 12302. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Sandra's memory can be made to the Animal Protective Foundation, 53 Maple Avenue, Scotia, NY 12302.