Sandra Ellen Lingle, 86, of Eureka, passed away in the early morning of January 20, 2026, at the Hospice House of Humboldt.

She was born December 10, 1939, in New Haven, Connecticut to Camille and Arthur Johnson Sr. As the eldest sibling, she took pride in helping to care for her younger siblings whom she loved dearly. She graduated from Hill House High School and became a Connecticut state-licensed barber. She moved to California in 1978 and landed in Eureka in 1980. She also worked in banking, was a restaurant manager for many years, a case worker for income maintenance for the State of California and a union representative for her department. 

Sandra was a fierce defender of animal rights since she was a child. She took in dogs and cats of all kinds, giving them all her love and care through their old ages. She also cared deeply for the birds, always making sure the many bird feeders around her house were full. She very much enjoyed going bird watching as well, osprey being one of her favorites.

Sandra was preceded in death by brothers Richard Johnson, Peter Johnson and Arthur Johnson Junior. She was also preceded by many of her pets that she cared for and loved dearly; Minnie, Little Guy, Natia, Kia, Elle, Winnie, Fat Cat, KittyCoo, Hinckley, Walter, Snuggie, Lou, Hanns, Duncan, Cricket, Carrie, Winston and many others.

Sandra is survived by her sisters: Jane Ciarlone (Tony) and Debra Johnson (Maggie Goodwin); her children: John Sapiente (Leslie), Michael Sapiente, Bridgette Kubaki and Chadd Lingle; her grandchildren: Camille Sathrum (Andrew), Jennifer Sapiente, Zack Sapiente, Michelle Miller (Joseph), Ivan Kubaki and Atticus Kubaki; her great-grandchildren: Abigail Sathrum, Chloe Sathrum, Isaac Sathrum, Kyle Miller, Noah Miller and Jace Miller; her great-great-grandchild Hazel Miller and her beloved cat Pookie.

She was a communicant of St. Bernard’s Church in Eureka, where we will be holding a memorial mass on March 20, 2026 at 12:15 p.m. In lieu of flowers, we ask for donations to be sent to Miranda’s Rescue.