FREDERICK – Sandra E., 83, of Strongstown. It is with heavy hearts that we announce her passing on October 27, 2025 at IRMC after many hard fought battles with multiple cancers and Myasthenia Gravis since 2019. She was born April 23, 1942 in Belsano, to the late Arthur and Marie (Hunter) Mervine. Sandy was preceded in death by her loving husband, Ronald “Tutter” in 2024 ending over 62 years of marriage; their devoted daughter, Sandy Hauck; and cherished grandson, Matt Shilling. She is also predeceased by siblings, Bernard “Homer”; Arthur “Petsy”; Ronald “Duck”, Melvin “Butch”; and Aleene Butterworth; in-laws, Edna Mervine; Ed Butterworth; George/Katherine Frederick; Harry “Snook” /AnnaMae Frederick; George “Butty” Frederick; John/Ann Frederick; and Dave Frederick.

   She is survived by her children, Cathy (Jim) Shilling; Rhonda (David) Earhart; Ronald (Miss) Frederick; and son in law, Michael Hauck. She was the beloved grandmother to 11 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and dear sister to Cathy (Frank) Spotts; and Rosemary (George) Roles. Sandy also leaves behind in-laws, Patty and Robin Mervine; Josephine and Georgia Frederick; and special cousin, Bonnie; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

   Sandy met the love of her life after graduating from Blacklick Twp. High School and married in 1961. Motherhood came easily to her and she began showing motherly instincts at the young age of 4 or 5 when she thought it was a good idea for her and Petsy to feed peanuts to her baby brother who was only months old! Thank goodness her instincts improved when she actually became a Mom. Her greatest joys and accomplishments were her family, she was the “Heart” of the Frederick family. Her home was always a gathering place for holidays, family celebrations, and also in times of difficulties, losses and grief when her support, strength and unconditional love were most needed. “Caregiver” was another title she graciously held over the years, sharing the responsibilities with her husband in the care of their parents and Sandy’s special needs brother, Petsy and in the end, compassionately caring for Tutter when health challenges slowly stole his life. Sandy’s glass was ALWAYS half full and her deepest beliefs were that love and goodness always win out. Throughout her cancer journeys (and there were 5) she was the epitome of bravery and gratitude.

   Sandy’s hands were rarely idle. She helped build her home in Strongstown along wth her husband, she helped raise her grandchildren, she enjoyed diamond painting, making decorative wreaths, gardening, and baking. Her raisin filled cookies and homemake pierogies were the best. She was stacking wood and managing a wood burning stove into her early 80’s! Throughout their marriage, she and Tutter created many wonderful memories and lasting friendships on their numerous camping trips with friends and family.

   Sandy (aka Mable, as her husband lovingly called her) will be forever kept in the hearts and memories of her family and all who loved her. She will be deeply missed. The family wishes to send a heartfelt thanks to Sandy’s healthcare team at IRMC and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, especially “Sharon” who treated her so compassionately throughout her cancer journeys.

   Friends will be received from 4-7 p.m. on Sunday at the Askew-Houser Funeral Homes, Inc., Nanty Glo, where funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Pastor Bill Warrick, officiating. Interment, Pineland Cemetery, Strongstown. In lieu of  flowers, donations in Sandy’s memory may be made to The American Cancer Society. (www.cancer.org)

Condolences may be left for the family at www.askew-houser.com