Sandra C. Spear

Sandra C. Spear
December 20, 1938 – July 1, 2021

Preceded in death by husband, Richard Spear; son, James Martin; parents, Paul and Dorothy Chaney. Survived by children, Sue Martin, Cathy Corbitt (Matt), Steve Spear; grandchildren, Spencer and Ava Corbitt; sister, Jane Martin; brother, Philip Chaney (Kathy); nieces and nephews.

Vigil Service: Wednesday, July 7th, 6:30PM at the West Center Chapel with visitation starting at 5:00PM.  Mass of Christian Burial: Thursday, July 8th at 10AM at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 11802 Pacific.  Interment: Calvary Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Duchesne Academy, Creighton Prep, or the American Cancer Society.

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Born in Falls City, Nebraska to Dorothy and Paul Chaney, Sandy was a middle child, between her older sister, Jane, and her younger brother, Philip. After high school she left Falls City and went away to Omaha to Duchesne College, an experience that indelibly shaped the woman she was to become. She married and spent her early years of her marriage in Fremont Nebraska, where her husband, Dan, was a practicing attorney.  She made many close friends during those years and had two children, Susan and James. When she and Dan divorced, she moved with her children to Omaha and took a full-time job at the telephone company, where she eventually met her second husband, Richard Spear. A widower with two children of his own – one just a toddler – Richard and she married and began a life with their blended family. 

A strong Catholic, Sandy remained committed to her faith and attended St. Roberts Church, while her husband Richard practiced his, as an active member of Morningstar Lutheran Church. Raising three teenagers (Steve, Susan and James) as well as a toddler (Cathy) had its challenges, and Sandy relied on the support of her sister, Jane, and brother-in-law Louis, and her large network of friends.

Sandy eventually went to work as a legal secretary, a career she enjoyed, and continued for many years to put Susan through Duchesne Academy and allow James to attend Creighton Prep. When Richard faced health challenges due to heart issues, Sandy learned to cook low fat and ‘heart-healthy.’ This interest in cooking eventually became a passion for her – one she embraced until the end of her life. Sandy’s other passion was her love of books and reading and was rarely found without a book in her hand.

When Richard died, Sandy eventually sold their home in West Omaha and moved to One Pacific Place. She loved living there on her own and the new friends she met. Despite some health challenges over the last few years, Sandy lived on her own until just a few weeks before her death.

Vivacious and fun-loving, Sandy was very much her own person. She was strong and no-nonsense, and never apologized for the choices she made – even when those choices were difficult or unpopular at the time. She told her children they could grow up to be anything they wanted, and encouraged them to think for themselves.

With her signature short dark hair, red fingernails and those big red glasses, Sandy was a true individual. She will be profoundly missed, but will live on in the hearts of her children, her family, and all those who loved her.

 

5 Comments

  • Philip & Kathy Chaney Posted July 3, 2021 3:38 pm

    Your will be greatly missed. Keep us in your prayers

  • Kim & Frank Toomer, Sr. Posted July 3, 2021 9:31 pm

    Wishing sincere condolences to all the family during this most emotional time. Hopefully you will be able to manage the emotions of the loss by dwelling on your fond memories and experiences. With deepest sympathy .
    Kim & Frank Toomer, Sr.
    Clifton, VA 20124

  • Kim & Frank Toomer, Sr. Posted July 3, 2021 9:32 pm

    Wishing sincere condolences to all the family during this most emotional time. Hopefully you will be able to manage the emotions of the loss by dwelling on your fond memories and experiences. With deepest sympathy .

  • Sherry Holst Posted July 3, 2021 10:04 pm

    So sorry for your loss- we will miss seeing Sandy at church and waving to each other 💗🙏💗
    Sending prayers and hugs and love to the family.
    Love
    Dave and Sherry
    And the Holst gang

  • Linda Johnson Posted July 4, 2021 6:16 pm

    Steve I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Sandy and I as worked together at the phone company at the time when your dad was my boss. He was a wonderful person and I was fortunate enough to know him and to get to know Sandy. I know she will be missed by many. You and the family will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. If there is anything we can do for you please let us know.
    Linda and Jay Johnson

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