Sandy Foster, age 80, of Dahlonega, GA (formerly of Griffin, GA) died on March 11, 2023. She was a beloved Mom, Nana, and friend to many. Mourning the unexpected loss of this strong, independent, sassy, creative and loving woman are: Daughter and Son-in-love, Beverly and Sigmund Scheuer; Granddaughter and Grandson-in-love, Courtney and Sam Balling, and Bonus Grandson, David Scheuer. Her special cousin/honorary sister, Jean Bevis and honorary daughter, Jennifer Studley Sorbello as well as nieces, nephews and many friends will also miss Sandy’s beautiful smile, sense of humor and nurturing.
A native of Columbus, GA Sandy graduated from high school, immediately married and began her civil service career as a clerk in the typing pool at Fort Benning, GA. Over the next thirty years, she rose through the civil service ranks eventually retiring from her last position as a Management Analyst with the U.S. Department of the Army. Sandy was a trailblazer, balancing career and motherhood long before that became the norm for women. After retirement, Sandy started a second career utilizing her love of flowers, her creativity and business sense by working for several more years at Artistic Flowers in Griffin, GA.
Sandy will be remembered for her smile, sense of humor, love of all animals and a killer salsa recipe. Her greatest love after her family was gardening. Completely self-taught, she had an almost encyclopedic knowledge of plants and their care. “You can put a $5 plant in a $20 hole but not the other way around. The dirt is what’s important” was her mantra. That advice inspired her granddaughter Courtney’s love of and career in Soil Science. We all know that Sandy’s green thumb and love of digging in the dirt will live on in her granddaughter.
Her active life also included a love of junkin’. The “thrill of the hunt” at yard and estate sales made Sandy happy. She financed her passion by selling many of her antique and vintage treasures both online and in her antique mall booth. Her family certainly hopes there are yard sales in heaven; if not she will surely organize one!
To be loved by Sandy meant having a cheerleader, unconditional ally and occasional dispenser of hard truth (which you usually deserved to hear). If you were also lucky enough to taste her salsa, potato salad or chicken and dressing then you were supremely blessed. Even at the age of 80, Sandy was always willing to join family or friends for shenanigans or adventures.
The world has lost a bright light but we are grateful to have shared her journey and will honor her life by living ours the way she did – with love and laughter all the way. If you wish to honor Sandy in another way, please make a donation to the animal charity of your choice.
A memorial celebration of life will be held at a later date.
