Sandra Elizabeth Reding

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sandra Elizabeth Reding on December 22, 2024. Sandy was born on January 14, 1948, in St. Paul, MN to Raymond and Mildred (Schiller) VanHeel. 

Sandy met the love of her life and beloved husband, Thomas Reding while in high school. Over their 60+ years together, they demonstrated what a happy, fun, and loving marriage should be like. Many people recognized Sandy from working in her parent’s shoe repair shop, Ray’s Shoe Service, while others knew her as “Grandma Sandy” from volunteering at St. Matthew’s School (now Community of Saints). Sandy was known for her humor, love and support for her family and friends. She was always up for a shopping trip, coffee date, helping someone finish a last-minute make-it-gift or going to cheer on her grandchildren's sporting events, especially the family’s volleyball team on Sunday nights. Sandy was also an avid dog lover throughout her life and enjoyed spending time at home with her dog Mugs. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, daughter and grandmother, who will be truly missed by everyone who knew her.

Preceded in joining the Lord: Father, Raymond VanHeel. 

Survived by: mother Mildred VanHeel, husband Thomas Reding; son Mark (Connie) Reding; daughter Dawn (Steve) Reding; grandchildren Melissa (Daniel) Lopez Raies, Nicholas (Haley), Amanda, Allison Reding, Maxwell Karas; brother Timothy (Gail) VanHeel; sister Debra (Dan) Monnens (VanHeel). 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Community of Saints in Sandy’s name: Community of Saints Regional Catholic School, 335 Hurley Street East, West St. Paul, MN 55118 or visit communityofsaints.org/ways-to-give.

A service will be held at St. Matthew’s Parish on Tuesday, January 14th with the memorial at 10:00AM, followed by Mass at 11:00AM. Sandy’s final resting place will be at Fort Snelling with a private burial.