Kathy M. Sandon

Kathy Margaret Sandon (nee Dagley), 80, of Kirtland, Ohio passed away peacefully on February 7 with family by her side. She is survived by her adoring husband of nearly 58 years, Gian Franco L. Sandon, son Gian Paul (Maria) Sandon, daughter Stacy (Jim) Sandon Davis, sister Monica Lewis, sister-in-law Barbara Sandon Norris, her grandchildren whom she considered her greatest gift (Alexandra Davidson, Danny Davidson, William Davidson, Clay (Alysia) Davis, Danielle Davis, Brad Davis and great-grandson Dawson) and many nieces and nephews. Kathy is also survived by her cousin Dennis (Fran) Slifko whom she held close as a brother and one of her most favorite people, and her dearest friends, who were like sisters, Norma (Dennis) Gruber, Carmella Calta, and Denise (Marty) Romagni.

Kathy always knew what she wanted and worked hard to get it. She started her career as a cosmetologist and went on to teach at the Euclidean while also working as a stylist. Throughout the years, Kathy would get her own hair done in salons where her former students had built their careers, and it brought her great joy to see her students' success. After nearly two decades, Kathy switched careers and became a purchasing agent at Picker International (subsequently Phillips Medical and Marconi International) and went on to become a trade show and event manager for the company, which was by far her favorite job, allowing her to travel and explore the country.

A lover of mysteries, Kathy was an avid reader of Agatha Christie books and faithfully watched the TV show Murder She Wrote (even the repeats!). She was a lifelong Notre Dame football fan, and her NFL crush was Joe Namath. Kathy would become so animated and excited watching football that her family would make her pom poms out of paper towels and scotch tape, which she waved with pride!

Kathy had a complicated relationship with the word "no." While she struggled to say "no" she would also not accept "no." This provided for endless entertainment. Like the time she wanted to fulfill her childhood dream of living in a center hall colonial, to which Gian said, "no, we're not moving," only to move into said colonial months later. Then there was the swimming pool, also on the list of Kathy's childhood dreams. Gian said, "no, we don't need a pool." Kathy responded by pulling a lawn chair into the middle of the yard, sat in it, and started to cut down a little tree with a hand saw in the spot where the pool would go in that next spring. Kathy was the love of Gian's life and whatever dream he could make come true, he did - mostly importantly those that cost nothing.

The other side of "no" was Kathy always volunteering at her children's schools while also working full time, styling a friend's hair at night after working all day, giving to the church and numerous charities, and wrapping gifts for seniors at the local nursing home so they would have something to open at Christmas time. Whatever it was, if someone needed help, Kathy never said "no."

Kathy battled with dementia in the last years of her beautiful life. Her family is grateful for the extended family and friends who visited and helped care for her along with the many nurses who grew to love Kathy, especially in her feisty moments.

Now at home and at peace with the Lord, Kathy once again has her memory, her words, her gorgeous smile - and, no doubt, she is enjoying an amazing vodka gimlet, a Kent cigarette, and some good gossip with her lifelong friend Carol Dondorfer Yontek.

Contributions may be made in memory of Kathy to the Alzheimer's Association, 8522 East Ave, Mentor, OH 44060, https://www.alz.org

Cremation by DeJohn Crematory. Relatives and friends are invited to meet for Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Divine Word Catholic Church, 8100 Eagle Rd, Kirtland where family will welcome visitors at 10:30 AM. Private Burial at All Souls Cemetery. Reception to follow the Mass - RSVP on the Funeral Home website. Arrangements by DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME