Sandra L. Black, 67

Sandra L. Black lost her battle with cancer on March 17, 2011, at the age of 67. Sandy was born on Sept. 24, 1943, in Bedford, Ohio, to Onni and Edna Hendrickson.

Her family moved from Bedford to North Hollywood, Calif., where she graduated high school and went on to train as a medical assistant. The family moved to Coeur d'Alene in 1963 where she met Pat Braden and were married in 1964. Pat and Sandy had two children, Patrick and Alan. They divorced in 1975.

Sandy continued her education at North Idaho College over the next few years while working and raising her two boys. A few years later Sandy met Merle Black while working together at the Kootenai County Sheriff's office and have been married since May 1982. Sandy worked at Coeur d'Alene Realty and Insurance where she earned her license to sell insurance. She also worked at Empire Airlines before returning to work at the Kootenai County Auditor's office and retired from there in 2008.

Sandy enjoyed spending time with her husband and grandchildren. Sandy was a whiz at Sudoku puzzles, loved working in her flower beds and created a backyard habitat for birds and other wildlife.

Sandy is survived by her husband Merle; two sons, Pat and Alan; stepdaughter Wendy Decicio; daughter-in-law Dawn Braden; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A private ceremony for Sandy will be held at her home where her cremated ashes will be spread among the flowers that she loved working on so much.

In lieu of flowers or cards, the family would appreciate a donation to Hospice of North Idaho or to the American Cancer Society.

English Funeral Chapel, Post Falls, was entrusted with the final arrangements.