Sandra was born prematurely, weighing only 2 pounds and was a fighter her entire life. She was an only child. She graduated in 1967 from Wilbur H. Lynch High School in Amsterdam, New York. She began her career as a candy striper at St. Mary's Hospital in Amsterdam. After receiving her Nursing degree from Fulton Montgomery Community College and having her two children, she worked as a school nurse at St. Stanislaus Catholic school in Amsterdam. Later she enjoyed working for the Planned Parenthood organization in Catskill, NY where the family moved. Later, after she and James divorced, Sandra met and married Vincent and she moved to California for a short while. The couple then moved to Galveston, Texas where they enjoyed living by the water.
Sandra continued her education while in Texas and earned her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston in Healthcare Administration. Her degree took her and Vince to Llano, Fredericksburg, and to Livingston, Texas, where she was the Administrator for various Nursing Homes.
Upon Vince's passing she traveled to Bergen, Norway but found her way back to Livingston, Texas where her life's journey led her to her encounter with her final life-mate, Charles Robert Hilland. After their marriage, when it was discovered that ?Bob? had become ill with cancer, Sandra retired early so the couple could spend quality time together.
Sandra enjoyed playing the piano, as she was always very active in the Episcopal churches she attended, cooking, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and the New York Yankees!
Sandra is survived by her two children Shelley Rena & her husband Joe and Tracey Rogers; stepchildren, Jeff Hilland, Jere Hilland & wife Jennifer; grandchildren, Ashley Rae Suescun, Sabrina Rena, Courtney Rogers, James Rogers-Baer, Thomas Rogers-Peck; great grandchildren, Amber Rogers, Coral Rogers, Harlen Rogers, Marshall Rogers-Baer; numerous other family members & a host of friends.
She is preceded in death by her husbands, James F. Rogers, Vincent VanLynn, and Charles Robert Hilland.
A celebration of Sandra's Life will be held at 10:00am, Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Pace Funeral Home, Livingston, Texas with Brother Mike Lofton officiating.
Condolences(7)
Barbara Clinton
Madisonville, LA Thursday, September 19, 2024 Sam… you were more than a friend- you were my heart sister! They say people are placed into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. I was so fortunate that you were that lifetime person. How we joked about meeting at birth because our moms met in the maternity ward… 75 years ago.Leave it to you to seek heaven first!
This world is a better place because of you. You’ve left a legacy filled with love.
Robert Race
Lyndhurst, NJ Thursday, September 19, 2024 Very sorry to learn of Sandy's passing. Wishing you all of the best.Crystal Dean
Splendora, TX Thursday, September 19, 2024 I am deeply sorry for your loss. I hope you find comfort in the loving memories you shared and the support of those around you. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time.Jane and hopper hilland
Brownwood, TX Wednesday, September 18, 2024 So thankful for Sandy in our lives. So sorry for your lossTracey A Rogers
Jamestown, NY Wednesday, September 18, 2024 We love you Mom, may you enjoy your afterlife to the fullest ❤️Linda and Charlie Cramer
Greer, SC Wednesday, September 18, 2024 Sandy we had lots of good memories together! Charlie and I loved watching the Yankees together at your house with you and Jimmy!We we to Vermont together many times in the summer and always enjoyed those times together with you, my mom , Shelley and Tracey and Charlie!I loved living only three houses down the street!
RIP Sandy Love Charlie and Linda
Kristy Fruia
Wednesday, September 18, 2024 Our condolences for the loss of Mrs. Hilland, with deepest sympathy from the Tarkington ISD Child Nutrition and Custodial Departments.-Kristy Fruia