Sandra Kay Blackhurst

Sandra (Sandy) Kay Blackhurst left this life on October 14, 2024 for a joyous reunion with her beloved husband and son, as well as many treasured family and friends, that went before her.

Sandy was born on August 15, 1937 to Kenneth Wells and Maxine (Maloy) Wells in Burton Township, Michigan. She graduated from Bentley High School in 1955 and went on to have many rewarding career experiences, which included working at Citizens Bank, being elected as Burton Township Clerk and owning her own business, The Travel Factory.

In April 1954 she married Chuck Blackhurst, her high school sweetheart. Their love and deep commitment for one another saw them celebrate 61 years of marriage, before Chuck passed in 2015. Their union brought about a daughter, Dawn and a son, Chuck Jr.

Sandy spent most of her life in the Burton area, but in 1995, she and Chuck made the move to Florida, but would go back to spend summers at her daughter, Dawn and Son-n-law, Steve's place in Michigan. There, they made their spot into their “little piece of heaven" summer place.

After losing their son, Chuck Jr. in 2007, Chuck and Sandy raised their grandson, Zachary. Sandy had an unbreakable bond with Zachary and made sure he had all the necessary elements to live his best life and grow into a fine, young man.

Sandy was a fabulous cook and baker. She loved cooking and making delicious food for family and friends. Entertaining and hosting dinner parties, for groups of friends, brought her much joy. Christmas time found her baking her “made from the heart” favorite treats to give away to family and dear friends. She loved to collect recipes and actually, as a labor of love, made a three-ring binder full of thousands of recipes for each of her children, grandchildren and special friends.

Her passion in life was travel and travel she did, taking in many parts of the world. She started a travel business, The Travel Factory, from the ground up and worked as Owner/Agent for many years. She was always planning a trip and then inviting family and friends to come along. Many people were the recipients of her masterful planning skills as she created unforgettable memories for them. She visited England, Ireland, many European countries, Mexico, the Caribbean, Alaska and Hawaii and almost every other state in the union. 

Sandy enjoyed playing cards. She was a member of a pinochle card club with the same group of gal pals for decades. She was a good euchre player and Texas hold ‘em was her favorite betting game.  She was an avid reader, usually choosing a good mystery or psychological thriller. 

Sandy collected hand-made pottery. She relished attending art shows and purchasing pottery pieces that caught her eye. She has well over 200 pieces. 

Family was a source of pride for Sandy. Her two children Dawn and Chuck Jr. loved to be around her and learned so many life’s lessons about strength, generosity, rooting for the underdog and paying it forward, from her. She was always there, taking part in whatever was going on in their lives. She made sure that they stayed connected to grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins.

She adored her grandchildren, Tara, Conor, Tasha and Zachary. They were the recipients of endless vacations, camping trips and other fun outings. She was always there to support their activities. She never missed a birthday or a special occasion, or just a chance to let them know she cared. As Tara said, “she was kind, fierce and put on this earth to be a “Grandma”.

Oscar, her dog was her constant companion. She loved him with a passion and spoiled him royally. He returned that love by being her faithful, best friend.

Sandy was always on stand-by to help those in need . Her volunteerism and lifetime of service to others took her down many paths and into membership in many organizations. She was a lifetime member of the Order of Easter star, Nourmahel Chapter # 282. She was active in American Business Women’s Association, while in Michigan, serving as Presidentand many committee chairmanships. She was a dedicated member of the Punta Gorda Elkettes # 2606, serving as President and in many other capacities. She was instrumental in many fund-raising activities for the Elkettes, such as tea parties, fashion shows, and wine tasting parties. She loved working on sending kids in need of an uplifting experience to the Florida Elks Youth Camp. She decided to send birthday cards to the young men at Crossroads Hope Academy, a Punta Gorda foster care facility, so they would feel special and thought about. Because Chuck was so active in the Elf Khurafeh Shriners, Sandy was always by his side attending events and helping raise money for the Crippled Children’s fund. 

Sandy loved life and it showed. She had a wealth of wonderful family and friends, whose lives she touched in so many ways. She was blessed in return, by their love and admiration for her. She was a loyal and faithful friend. Her zest for fun was contagious and many fond, treasured memories were made over the years with dear family and friends. Sandy loved to dance and sing and she and Chuck could cut a rug, with a mean jitterbug. If you knew her, you know she was tuned into what was going on politically in the world. It was never a mystery for which side she cheered.

This strong, beautiful woman will be fiercely missed by everyone who had the good fortune to know her. The world will be a sadder place without her in it.

Left to cherish her memory, are her daughter Dawn (Steve) Johnson, Grandchildren, Tara Johnson (Ryan) Conor Johnson (Jennifer), Tasha Blackhurst (partner, Alan) & Zachary Blackhurst (partner Grace), Great Grandchildren, Mia Masten Adrielle, Emma and Kian Johnson. Sister-n-law, Karen Blackhurst, many nieces, nephews, cousins and fabulous friends and her treasured friend for years, Mary Reynolds.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Chuck, beloved son, Chuck Jr.,daughter-n-law, Christine, her dear Sister, Shirley Wells and Brother-n-law, Jim Blackhurst.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be held to celebrate Sandy’s life on Friday, November 1st, 4-6 p.m. at Farley Funeral Home, 5900 Biscayne Drive, North Port.A remembrance by family and friends will take place at 5:00 p.m.. A celebration of life will be held in Michigan at a later date.

Contributions to honor Sandy’s life may be made payable to the Punta Gorda Elkettes # 2606. Please send checks to Carol Milroy, Treasurer, 1019 Lucia Drive, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. You may also leave a donation at the celebration of life.