Sandra “Sandy” Lee Heddinger passed away peacefully the evening of September 19, 2024 in Eureka while encompassed by love and family.

A devoted gardener, Sandy brought beauty and life to her surroundings, nurturing not just plants but also those who knew her. She could always be found puttering in her garden, pulling weeds and watering her beautiful flowers. She had a particular fondness for hummingbirds which could be seen at the many feeders set up through her gardens, and Sandy took great pleasure in watching them flit among the plants. The only thing that brought Sandy more joy than her garden were her loved ones.

Sandy had an established career working at Safeway, and she could always be counted on for a cheery greeting and a helping hand. Many of her long-standing customers from Safeway, became customers in a new way when she bought the best pizza joint in town, Babe’s Pizza. Sandy’s hard work was a key to Babe’s success, but her favorite part of owning her pizza joint was always the people she met while there. She was always floating from group to group, telling jokes, offering up toasts. After making the decision to sells Babe’s, she took her infectious smile to Costco, where her open and friendly demeanor was perfect for passing out samples. Throughout her long career, at Safeway, Babe’s and Costco, it was her dedication and vibrant energy that made a lasting impact on colleagues and customers alike.

Sandy will be missed and always remembered by her children Douglas Jr Simmonds (Jody), Carmen Clark (Robert), and Terri Heddinger; as well as her grandchildren Mandy, Joseph, Matthew, Michael, Ricky, Douglas III, Alisha, Katie, and Tyler; and her dear friends Kathy, Chris and Lisa.

Sandy was predeceased by her parents, Santina DelGrande and Hap Churchman and her daughter Angela Simmonds.

Sandy’s memory will live on through her loved ones, any time they see a hummingbird, or hear a Barry Manilow song on the radio. Her family encourages all who were lucky enough to know Sandy to take a moment to reflect on her life and the joy that Sandy brought to those around her.