Sandra K. "Sandy" (Kem) McMaken

Sandy McMaken passed away Saturday morning, June 18, 2022 after a long journey with Alzheimer’s disease. Sandy was born Sandra Joy Kem. Never enjoying having her birthday so close to Christmas, she chose to celebrate on the 4th of July.

She met Jack McMaken when she was 14 and he 15, and they began their lifelong relationship by walking to school together. Growing up, Sandy excelled in academics and music. Not only was she accomplished on the trumpet and piano, Sandy also played the organ at church. After graduating high school, Sandy went to Miami Jacobs College and began working at NCR in Dayton while Jack attended Western Michigan University. They were married in 1962. They have four daughters, Lisa Ralston (Ken), Melissa Hart (Brett), Kimberly Mazzeo, and Kristine McMaken. Their eight grandchildren include Alek Rollyson, Taylor Rollyson, Brooke Ralston, Jake, Brandon and Christian Mazzeo, and Nathan and Maggie Hart. In addition, they have four great-grandchildren and Sandy is also survived by a brother, Rick Kem. Sandy is preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Erma Kem.

Sandy had many interests and talents, including gardening, knitting, needlepoint, ceramics, photography, politics, music, and her dogs. Jack’s aunt, Helen, taught Sandy how to knit, which began a lifelong hobby resulting in beautiful sweaters, blankets, scarfs and hats. She loved to travel and mentioned frequently how fortunate she felt to have the opportunity to enjoy adventures across the United States and abroad. She particularly loved family vacations in Outerbanks, North Carolina and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

A two-time cancer survivor, Sandy was known for her no-nonsense attitude, her mental toughness and her sharp intellect. She maintained her sense of humor throughout all of her challenges, never complaining and always remaining active with her daily walks with Jack and her faithful dog, Sophie.

Sandy’s family would like to express profound thanks and gratitude to the Dayton Alzheimer’s Association, Dynamic Senior Solutions, Compassus hospice care and the caregivers, nurses and staff of Spring Hill Singing Woods Nursing Care Assisted Senior Living Facility and Spring Cottage Memory Care, all of whom provided a network of excellent care and support throughout the various stages of Sandy’s journey.          

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held 4-7 pm Friday. June 24 at the GILBERT-FELLERS FUNERAL HOME, 950 ALBERT ROAD, BROOKVILLE. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Cancer Society. E-mail condolences may be sent by going online to www.gilbert-fellers.com