Sandra Jean Leatherman of Santa Paula left us May 21, 2003, at the age of 62, to join the Lord in heaven. Sandy was surrounded by her loved ones as she passed peacefully in her sleep.

Sandy touched the lives of many. She dedicated her life to giving to others with unconditional love, support and nurturing to her friends, her students and family. This is what made her the best kind of teacher, the closest friend and the greatest daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and wife. She loved teaching kindergarten, singing in the choir and laughing with her friends and family. She truly will be missed by all of those who were blessed to know her.

Sandy is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, Jim.; daughter,Brenda, and her husband, Erick Martin; sons, Jeff Leatherman and Greg Leatherman and his wife, Laiena, and youngest son, D. J. Leatherman; grandchildren, Hunter, Luke, Kim and Jason; great-granddaughter, Chloe; parents, Vern and Bea Engebretson; brother, Richard and his wife, Valerie; sister,  Pam and her husband, Dan Ramirez; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 24, at the Rancho Santa Paula recreation room, 500 W. Santa Maria St., Santa Paula.

In lieu of flowers, Sandy wished for donations to be made in her name to the American Cancer Society either online at cancer.org, calling (800)227-2345, or mail a check or money order to the local office at American Cancer Society, 250 W. Citrus Grove Lane, Suite 200, Oxnard, CA 93036.