Sandra Anderson, 76
On Dec. 10, 2024, Sandra Anderson gained her heavenly wings. She was born to Raymond and Elmarie Waterhouse on Jan. 29, 1948, and was raised in Post Falls, Idaho. In 1954 as a first grader, Sandi’s life changed in its trajectory as she contracted polio before the vaccine was available. Though polio resulted in several surgeries, physical deformities and subsequent challenges, she was never short of being the life of the party. Her humor and quick wit drew others to her — along with her friendly demeanor and generous heart. Throughout school, she would willingly allow for her younger sister, Cathy, to tag along on all of the shenanigans with her and Vickie Eagle (her lifelong best friend), and other friends to dances, evening adventures of tooling Sherman Avenue, crazy drives that ended in barbed-wire axles and many other equally exciting escapades. She loved to dance, be social with others and she had a knack for making those around her feel special and important — this was a gift that she continued to give throughout her life.
After graduating from Post Falls High School in 1966, she spent some time working as a nurse’s aide at Pinewood Manor Nursing Home in Coeur d’Alene. Thereafter, she began her tenure for GTE, first as a telephone operator then progressing up the ranks to the position of secretary to the area manager. She spent 33 years at GTE before retiring.
Later in life, she enjoyed her house on the water, watching the boaters and jet skiers stream by as she remained in her wheelchair. Through the many years in her wheelchair, her spirit continued to shine. She rarely complained, as she felt that others had situations worse than her own. She was comforted in having her beloved dog, Violet, to keep her company each day, and was thankful for the caretakers who came in and out and became her friends, and for the diligence of her sister’s caretaking, accompanying her to doctor appointments, Costco trips, nearly daily visits and assistance in all things. Friday nights were also a highlight, as she was able to chat on the phone with her sister, Cathy, and her brother, Michael, together. She loved them both dearly. Her phone was a type of lifeline for her, and she appreciated all the phone calls and visits of her friends and family over the years.
Those who knew her best are comforted in knowing that she was able to dance her way into Heaven, being greeted by those who have gone before her. These loved ones included her parents, Ray and Elmarie Waterhouse, her grandparents and past loves David Beauchamp and Jim Anderson.
Her love will continue here on earth through her sister, Cathy Williams (David), and her brother, Michael Waterhouse (Karie). She will be forever cherished by her nieces and nephews for all of the beloved memories which include sleepovers, shopping trips and getting early driving lessons bumping along the backroads with “Aunt Dee Dee.” These nieces and nephews include Brian Kobs (Sara), Amy Bachman, Megan Hopson (Lucas), Kim Vernon (Luke), David Waterhouse (Bethany) and Kellie Fender (Quintin). Fond memories of Dee Dee will remain with many great nieces and nephews, as well. Additionally, she left her best friend, Vickie Eagle, with a gap that only Sandra could fill, but enough crazy memories to fill novels.
Her family is thankful to her caretakers, past and present, including Queta Kurz, Bernadette Pardo and Sabrina Fernquist. Also, thanks are deserved to the Kootenai Health staff and those at Life Care in Post Falls, and all of the individuals in these facilities whom Sandi was able to call by name. In fact, Sandi never met a stranger. If you were to ever cross her path, you were a friend … and she was thankful for you.
Sandra’s celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 15, 11 a.m. at the American Legion 1138 E. Poleline Ave., Post Falls, Idaho. Sandi loved color and accessories, so please, in her spirit, wear something, or things, that she would have loved.
Visit Sandra's memorial and sign her online guestbook at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.
Anderson