Sandra "Sandy" Lea Fischer

Celebration of Life: https://boxcast.tv/view/sandra-fischer-funeral-uy7vjmykvkz4esxnyxrn?_gl=1*1xebgjs*_gcl_au*MTk4MjkzMjE3MC4xNzIzNDc1MTA4*_ga*MTIyMjM4NjcxMS4xNTg0MDM5MzY5*_ga_PXBBF7HVWQ*MTcyNTU2MTY5NC4xODcuMS4xNzI1NTYxNzc3LjAuMC4w

Prayer Service: https://vimeo.com/1007117974

Sandra Lea "Sandy" Fischer

February 24, 1965 – August 13, 2024

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Sandra Lea (Miller) Fischer, a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, and friend, who departed this life on August 13, 2024, at the age of 59. Sandy's spirit and determination, which became known as 'Sandy Strong' during her courageous battle with cancer, defined her throughout her life.

Sandy was born on February 24, 1965, in Marshall, MN, the cherished only daughter of Gary and Carole (Moore) Miller, and sister to Craig and Scott. After a seven-year courtship, Sandy and Scott Fischer were married on July 18, 1992, in Fargo, ND, and together they welcomed their son, Grant, in 1995, creating a family full of love and laughter.

Sandy remained in Marshall throughout her childhood, graduating from Marshall High School in 1983, working for the Marshall Parks Department and the Marshall Theater, where she met Scott. She attended Southwest State University, followed by Moorhead State University, graduating with a degree in Elementary Education, which she put to use teaching at Fargo Public Schools, Enderlin Public Schools, and West Fargo Public Schools. After retiring from teaching in 2006, she focused on her duties as a mother and homemaker. Sandy returned to Minnesota State University Moorhead in 2017, obtaining a degree in Paralegal Studies. She was a member of Lambda Epsilon Chi National Honor Society in Paralegal/Legal Assistant Studies and received the prestigious Molly Moore Award for Excellence in Writing. Sandy was proud to work at O'Keefe O'Brien and Lyson Attorneys until her illness made it too difficult to continue.

Sandy and Scott were made to be together, with her eye rolls and "Oh, Scott's" in response to his jokes only thinly masking the joy he brought her. Sandy was a fiercely devoted mom, she spent many hours volunteering at Grant's school, Oak Grove Lutheran School, where she would do anything that was asked of her, from office work to painting. She was incredibly proud of Grant and was his biggest cheerleader.

Sandy inherited her parents' strong work ethic and had an energy that seemed boundless. Even after giving up her one vice, a morning Mountain Dew, she was always in motion, planning, organizing, cleaning, fixing, or creating. It was no surprise to find Sandy balancing on a two-by-four suspended between two ladders cleaning out the gutters or in the basement painting the floor when Scott came home.

Sandy and Scott created a warm and nurturing home. Not only did they keep their home immaculate, but they also took great care of their yard as well. Sandy's final project was creating a peaceful backyard sanctuary where she could relax with friends and neighbors.

Sandy was an excellent cook, always happy to share her many tried-and-true recipes. Cookie Salad will forever be known as Sandy's Cookie Salad after she introduced it to non-Midwesterners, making it a staple at many Thanksgiving and potluck tables across the country. Sandy was a talented seamstress who taught herself to quilt so she could turn her nephew's and uncle's clothing into cherished works of art for their families.

Growing up with two brothers sparked Sandy's interest in baseball, she was an avid Minnesota Twins fan. She became the statistician for her high school baseball team, where she unknowingly sat in the dugout next to her future brother-in-law, Brad, eating sunflower seeds. She later volunteered as a baseball coach for Grant.

Sandy especially treasured her visits with her family and the time she spent with her dad in his final months. She cherished the rekindled friendships and the time she was able to spend with her friends Deb, Julie and Donna. She was blessed with wonderful neighbors, Sandi, Jo Ann, Robbie, and her dear friend Ann.

Those who knew Sandy will remember her as being thoughtful and compassionate. She found joy in helping others, and never expected anything in return. She truly did God's work. As a paralegal, she went above and beyond her job description to assist clients and left a lasting impact through her kindness, whether by offering a kind word or preparing a meal for someone in need. Sandy never met a stranger and had a way of putting people at ease. She was a problem solver and took charge of difficult situations with optimism.

Sandy showed incredible grace and strength through her journey with cancer. Even on her toughest days, she reminded us to live each day with gratitude and faith. She faced every challenge with courage, determination, and a deep trust in God.

Sandy is survived by her husband, Scott Fischer, Fargo, ND; her son, Grant Joseph Fischer, Slayton, MN; her mother, Carole Miller, Buffalo, MN; her brothers, Craig (Ida) Miller, Medina, MN and Scott (Michelle) Miller, Orono, MN; her nieces and nephews, Luke (Lindsey), Trent, Julia (Corey) Thonn, Carson (Anna), Levi, Halle, and Sydney; her great-niece and nephew, Maeve and Nelson Thonn; and her in-laws and their families, Rod Fischer, Cheryl Crawford, Michelle Ziebarth, and Brad Fischer. She will be deeply missed by all.

She was preceded in death by her beloved father, Gary Miller; her in-laws, Al and Betty Fischer; and her nephew, Jamie Ziebarth.

A.A. Milne once said, "How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." This sentiment rings true for everyone blessed to have known Sandy. Her vibrant spirit, full of life and love, will continue to inspire those who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and an unwavering trust in God.

Eat the cake. Buy the flowers. Celebrate the beauty of life, just as Sandy did every day.

A celebration of Sandy's life will be held on Saturday, September 7th, at 1:00 PM, with visitation beginning at 12:00 PM. Additionally, a prayer service will take place on Friday, September 6th, at 6:00 PM, with visitation starting at 5:00 PM, at Hope Lutheran Church – North Campus, 2900 Broadway N., Fargo, ND 58102. Friends and family are warmly invited to share memories and honor the beautiful life she lived.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sandy's memory to the ROS1ders ( www.theros1ders.org or The ROS1ders, Inc. 1721 Eastern Avenue, Suite 19, Sacramento, CA  95864) or to a cause close to your heart.