Sandra Maude Swendsen Scott, born April 6, 1952, to Marian Driscoll and Richard Swendsen, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026, surrounded by love. In her final moments, she was looking into the eyes of her beloved husband, Bruce Scott. They married on Nov. 18, 1995, and shared a love that lasted until the very end.

Sandy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and sister; a lifelong hippie, feminist, liberal, dog mom and coffee lover; and a woman who lived unapologetically as herself. She had a generous heart, strong convictions, and a spirit all her own. She wasn’t perfect, but she cared deeply for the people and animals she loved.

A proud feminist and liberal, Sandy stood firmly by her beliefs and never shied away from a spirited conversation. She was passionate about fairness, independence and the freedom to be yourself. She always had a perspective to share and rarely backed down from a good debate.

Above all, Sandy loved her family. She was the mother of Melissa, Patrick and Tony and stepmother to Breah and Kaitlyn. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Melissa, her sister Sue and her parents, Marian and Richard.

She is survived by her husband, Bruce; her sons, Patrick McCarthy and Tony (Kenzie) Pari; her stepdaughters, Breah (Michelle) Scott and Kaitlyn Scott; her daughter-in-law, Sarah Miller-McCarthy; her sisters, Janet Swendsen, Joleen Farney and Sharon Wall; and her grandchildren Alexis, Tyler, Savannah, Trinity, Parker and Ada.

Sandy’s dogs were never simply pets—they were family. Chloe, Niles, Patches, and Sparky had already crossed the rainbow bridge, while Wrigley remained faithfully by her side until the end. Her love for animals reflected the tenderness and loyalty she carried in her heart.

Sandy lived life on her own terms. She loved her coffee, her cigarettes, her family and her dogs. Strong-willed, outspoken and wonderfully herself, she had a tremendous heart and a deep instinct to care for and protect those she loved. Her generosity came from the heart, and even when things didn’t always go as planned, her intentions were rooted in love.

Sandy leaves behind a family who will carry her stories, laughter, opinions and unmistakable spirit with them. She will be remembered for her fierce independence, generous heart and the many little things that made her uniquely Sandy. She will be missed more than words can say, remembered with deep affection and loved always.

Rest easy, Sandy. Give Melissa a hug for us.

Memorial Mass will be at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, with a one hour prior visitation. Fr. Michael Driscoll will officiate and burial will be at 1:30 p.m. at Resurrection Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Sandy’s memory to TAPS, in honor of her lifelong love of animals; OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, for the compassionate care she received; or the Tessa Sutton Foundation, helping to replenish the seemingly endless supply of snacks her grandchildren managed to devour during her time in hospice.

Tributes and condolences may be left at www.wrightandsalmon.com