Sandra Jean Beyl, 82, a long-time resident of Mercer Island, Washington, passed away on April 20, 2017, at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle.

Sandra was born on February 17, 1935 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her mother was Ann Dzubay of Clayton, Wisconsin, and her father was Jack Kalina, a professional golfer. She attended schools in Minneapolis, Portland Oregon, and graduated from Highline High School in Burien, Washington in 1952. She married David Beyl of Clear Lake, Wisconsin on April 14, 1956 in Minneapolis, two weeks after his graduation from OCS and designation as Naval aviator.

David’s Navy career took them around the US and to Japan over the next 24 years. Along the way, three daughters joined the family; Stacia in Alameda CA., Susan in Pensacola, FL., and Anne in Bethesda, MD. David retired in 1978 and they moved to Seattle.

Sandra fought cancer in her late 20’s. After surgery and radiation this cancer went into remission and the family continued their travels. They finally settled on Mercer Island in the 1980’s, where David started a custom wood working business. Sandra later faced a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and a failing heart. Her profound faith and trust in God saw her through these trials until her death.

Sandra was a perfect mate for David in the Navy. She kept the home and attended to the children through his many deployments. While stationed on the seacoast of Maine for two years, she kept an award-winning flower and vegetable garden at their 100 year old farmhouse. In the winter her duties included shoveling snow from their long driveway so that the girls could meet the school bus. No matter how short or long of each relocation, Sandra always made each house a home and acquainted her family with each community they lived in; finding a church, schools, and friends.

Sandra had a passion for music. As a child, she attended a Russian Orthodox Church and school. It was there that she acquired the skill of four and six part a cappella vocal music as churches had no musical accompaniment. From her early life and in high school, she joined singing groups under the tutelage of her mother. Sandra sang soprano, or for that matter, any part that needed a voice. She had a great vocal range and near perfect pitch. Sandra sang with Sweet Adeline’s in Burien. During the years of following her husband all over the country, she directed and sang in many groups. Since living on Mercer Island, she continued singing and directing. She was a member of the Lake Washington Singers.

Sandra was a loving homemaker, wife, mother, and grandmother. Her home was comfortable and spotless at all times. She was a wonderful cook and a gracious hostess. She loved to keep a vegetable garden and seasonal flowers where ever the family lived.

Sandra leaves behind her husband of 61 years, David, and daughters Stacia Beyl of Chicago, Susan McDonnell (Michael) of Virginia, and Anne Oransky (Shawn) of California, and grandchildren, Tristan and Oliver McDonnell and Grace and Zachary Oransky. Also to cherish her memory are her brothers and sister, numerous relatives and dear friends. She touched so many lives.

Sandra was laid to rest on a cold, rainy May morning among the graves of veterans of all services, at Tahoma National Cemetery. She, too, served-as a Navy wife of 24 years, meeting the call of her husband and the Navy they loved. A gathering of remembrance was held May 14, 2017 at Redeemer Lutheran Church during the Sunday service. The Neptune Society handled funeral arrangements.

Remembrances can be sent to Redeemer Lutheran Church, 6001 Island Crest Way, Mercer Island, WA. 98040.