Sandra Lee Holley

Sandra Buchanan Holley, 69, passed away peacefully in her sleep after a long illness on July 2, 2024. She was preceded in death by her sister, Candace Jackson; mother, Betty L. Buchanan; and father, William H. Buchanan. She is survived by her sister, Pam Buchanan Goodfleisch; brother-in-law, Robert Goodfleisch; nephew, Jacob Goodfleisch; and niece, Amy Goodfleisch Francis. Sandy will be missed by everyone who knew her. The most rewarding time of her life was spent at Riverside Methodist Hospital where she worked for 37 years. She began as an EEG technician. Always willing to study and work hard, she ended that career as a Registered Electroencephalographic Technologist who also did OR monitoring along with other neurological testing. She was passionate about her work. Friends she made there became and remain a second family. To quote the woman who originally hired and soon became her best friend, “Sandy was an admired and respected employee by everyone who worked with her. Always willing to go above her responsibilities.” Sadly, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis made it necessary for her to retire before she reached her goal of 40 years. She told me often that it was only with the help of dear friends that she was able to get through those last months doing the job she loved. My sister was no quitter. She pursued a lung transplant, and was promptly denied by one hospital because they felt she was not a good candidate. She pushed forward until against all odds, Doctor Keller at OSU found himself cheering for this 4’7” spitfire. She was granted a double lung transplant by The James. And she did not disappoint. When Sandy died 7 years later, her lungs remained strong until the last beat of her heart. My sister rescued several dogs over the years loving them from the moment she brought them home until the end of their lives. I’ve no doubt she would have rescued several more if her health hadn’t taken the unexpected turn it did. She was a consistent supporter of shelters and those who care enough to dedicate their lives to helping these furry angels who have no voice of their own. In a way she was comparable to her pups. Loving unconditionally and expressing enormous gratitude for even the smallest of things anyone did for her. She was a Unicorn in this world of ours. Always trying to do the right thing. Always giving. Never taking. The burdens she carried for others were heavy for such small shoulders. Yet all the while her sense of humor never failed to undo us all. Yes. A Unicorn, I think. At a future date there will be a wake to celebrate her life as she requested. I will reach out. Until then, know she loved you all and have your happy memories waiting and ready. Day Funeral Service is honored to serve the family of Sandra Holley.

Sandra Lee Holley

February 25, 1955 - July 2, 2024