Obituary
Sandra Lea Galloway, lovingly known as Sandi, passed away after a long battle with illness on February 25, 2025. Born on May 15, 1944, Sandi was beautiful both inside and out, admired for her friendly, fun-loving, and approachable nature. She had a unique ability to connect with everyone she met and was always quick with a smile, a kind word, or a joke to lighten the mood. A keen card and game player, she was particularly known for her competitive spirit, holding no sympathy for her opponents—especially her own children—but somehow, they did not mind.
Sandi was passionate about many things, from her love of pets and card games like Euchre and Super Samba to her fondness for 50s and 60s music, WWII movies, TV shows like Wipeout and Survivor, and the occasional daring adventure. She enjoyed cross-stitch, ceramics, walking, reading, line dancing, and was a lifelong Disney enthusiast. With a heart full of warmth and generosity, she had the innate ability to know exactly what to say at the right time, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew her.
She is survived by her husband, Tom Galloway; her son, Dan Jenkins; her daughters, Vickie (Jim) Disch and Eve (Mark) Kuckuck; her step-daughters, Tiffanie Galloway Hicks and Tara (Ryan) Rowe; her brothers, Don Roberts and Ron (Clare) Roberts; her sister, Shirley (Stan) Puskarz; her beloved grandchildren, Nick, Olivia, Sam, Abby, Devin, Dillan, Noah, Miles, and Sophia; and numerous other family members, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is joined in rest by her parents, Leroy and Frances Roberts; her brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Marty Roberts; her sister-in-law, Edith Roberts; and her precious grandson, Will Kuckuck.
Raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Sandi was the youngest of five children and graduated early from Central High School, excelling academically. She worked tirelessly in every role she took on, from volunteering at local hospitals, churches, and schools to serving as a PTA president. Her career path included working as a secretary/bookkeeper for the Girl Scouts of America, local optometrists, Fort Wayne Community Schools, and later Southern Lifestyles Furniture (which was appropriate because she had a wonderful knack for interior style).
In 1986, Sandi married Tom, and together, they created a life full of love and adventure, eventually moving to The Villages, Florida, in 2002. Here, she continued to make lifelong friends, leaving a lasting impact on all who met her. They opened their home to friends and family and provided a “bed and breakfast” to anyone wishing to visit Central Florida. Sandi was a real-life Disney princess, and her talents as a Disney day trip coordinator were unmatched. She mastered all the different ways to navigate the parks and regularly created magical experiences for her grandchildren.
Sandi’s most significant accomplishment, however, was as a mother. She not only raised her children with love and devotion but also opened her heart to anyone who needed a “mom hug,” a listening ear, or a cheerleader in the stands. Whether it was attending a dance recital, play performance, or band competition, Sandi was always there, fully present for her family and friends. Her legacy is one of compassion, duty to community, and a deep love of the arts.
In keeping with her wishes, there will be no formal ceremony. Instead, an Open House style Celebration of Life will be held in her honor on March 23, 2025, from 3:30 to 5:30 PM at
Fenney Recreational Center, 3200 Fenney Way, The Villages, Florida, 32163. Family and friends are invited to join in celebrating her life.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to one of Sandi’s favorite charities:
Muscular Dystrophy Association
Sandi’s legacy of kindness, empathy, and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
The Galloway home was always our favorite vacation spot. Mom always seemed truly happy to have us visit even when we rolled up with a Grand Caravan full of kids, luggage, dogs, golf clubs, etc. Those trips are what my family remembers as some of the best times over the years. Mom's expertise at navigating Disney parks is legendary and always made our vacations that much more special. She also put us up for weeks at a time between duty stations and was even our evacuation refuge during a hurricane.
Mom always took an active interest in my children's lives as well. Her love, time, and attention to them was unwavering, and she would travel far and wide to attend as many marching band shows as possible. She even traveled to England with our dog (Sophie) in tow after a snafu didn't allow us to bring her over when we traveled.
Mom's legacy of love of family and kindness toward all that she encountered was inspirational. She was my Mom unconditionally and in every sense of the word and, although I will miss her every day, I know that her lessons of life and love will stay with me always.
I remember the times we played Wizard, the trips we took to Disney, even her small square Serta memory foam pillow I was fascinated by.
I remember her hugs, I remember her voice, I remember her absolute love for me, no matter what.
I remember the famous golf cart lesson, when I turned 15. I remember the time she got a hole in one in putt-putt. I remember the old house, the one on Niles Court. And I remember the golf cart rides we went on, where she took me through as many tunnels as possible because she knew I loved them.
I remember her love of coins, and the endless gifts she gave. I remember the cooking: beef and noodles, mashed potatoes, Texas sheet cake (we still use her recipe).
I remember all of this, and so much more.
I can’t wait to see you again, I love you Grandma Papa.
Kelly and I are saddened by Aunt Sandi's death and have only fond memories of her.
My father is devastated to have lost his younger sister.
Our deepest condolences to Tom, Dan, Vickie, Eve and all who mourn her loss.
I never understood the stereotypical, derogatory in-law jokes passed around water coolers by others because mine was simply amazing. I couldn't have asked for a better one.
Yes, its true that she didn't need to be a ruthless double pinochle shark, but she also didn't need to faithfully remember my birthday, sacrificially put the joy of others above her own, make delicious red cake, or spoil everyone at Christmas.
Tirelessly navigating Disney parks, mom had more energy at 60 then I did at 30. The source of this energy? Simply the desire to make sure others were having the times of their lives.
While traveling, or simply walking around, I was always amazed at her ability to know exactly which cardinal direction we were going and her relationship to landmarks. We didn't need a map when Mom was around. When traveling in a convoy, I was more than happy to let Mom and Tom lead as that was the surest way to get where we were trying to go. Likewise, when it comes to being kind to others and servant hearted, following Mom's example will put me exactly in the place I'm supposed to be.
So sad that she's gone. So happy my life is better because of her time in it.
She taught me that being kind and helping others was more important than superficial qualities like who you know or what car you drive. She volunteered at countless agencies and events throughout her life.
She was smart and loved math. She could keep track of 20 trump cards in a game of double pinochle, while also counting points and planning sneaky moves. She loved to balance her checkbook to the penny.
We will miss her terribly and hope she is resting happily in a body not burdened any longer by illness.