Sandra Irene (Gerbo) Growney passed away quietly in her home Aug. 17, 2015.

She was born Aug. 12, 1936, in Berkeley, Calif. The youngest child of Lillian and Louis Gerbo, she held a special spot in her father’s heart, had a very close relationship with her mother and was loved dearly by her brother Richard.

Sandy attended Catholic school in Oakland, graduating from Holy Names Academy in 1954. Pretty and popular (yet always proper and reserved), she was the student body vice president. She continued her high school friendships throughout her life, particularly with the “girls” she called “my ever seven.” An honor student, she also worked weekends in the bridal department of H.C. Capwells, Oakland, from the time she was 15 until graduation.

It was while taking a Berkeley High School summer typing class at age 13 in preparation for Holy Names that Sandy met Bill Growney, who would become the love of her life. They dated steadily for six years, her devotion withstanding long separations while Bill was pursuing his dream to become a Navy pilot. Engaged to Bill post-high school graduation, Sandy immediately went to work as a secretary for 18 months with the California Farm Bureau to save money for their upcoming marriage, which occurred on Jan. 28, 1956. In December of 1956, Sandy and Bill welcomed a daughter, Sharon Irene, then in June of 1962, a son, William Craig, Jr.

Sandy and Bill moved to Oak Harbor in 1956, where Sandy began her life as “an officer’s wife.” Bill’s career would be enhanced for 20 years by Sandy’s ability to graciously entertain his senior officers in their home. An asset, her excellent organizational skills and attention to detail also led to her becoming the secretary of several officers’ wives clubs. Bill’s career took him to duty stations in Oxnard, Calif.; Honolulu, Hawaii; Alameda, Calif.; Seattle; then back to Oak Harbor. Sandy cheerfully packed up each time to start anew wherever Bill took her.

Sandy and Bill built their retirement dream home on Whidbey Island in 1973. Bill began a second career as a real estate agent. Sandy went to work as a receptionist in the office of Dr. Stanley Anderson in Coupeville. For about 20 years, Sandy’s warm, welcoming smile and excellent phone skills eased many a nervous patient’s dental anxieties.

Although Sandy and Bill enjoyed yearly vacations to their condo at Lake Chelan and celebrated many wedding anniversaries in Hawaii, Sandy’s favorite place was their beautiful Oak Harbor home. She took pride and joy in its upkeep, enjoying the pretty things she and Bill had collected.

During retirement, Sandy was also blessed to have the opportunity to form special relationships with her three granddaughters who lived in Oak Harbor and visited often.

Sadly, Bill passed away on Sept. 20, 2014, leaving a great hole in Sandy’s heart and life. She has now joined him at Tahoma National Cemetery, laid to rest in a private ceremony on the anniversary of Bill’s memorial service.

Sandy is survived by her daughter Sharon (John) Flynn of Hillsboro, Ore., and son William “Will” (Tammy Olander) Growney of Oak Harbor. Also surviving are grandchildren, Kevin (Elizabeth) Flynn, Dennis (Amber) Flynn, Ryan Flynn, Kailey (Jeff) Nye, Ashton (Jon Gomez) Growney and Danica (David) Faussett; six great-grandchildren; and numerous very special nieces and nephews who will all greatly miss her.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to Holy Names High School, 4660 Harbord Drive, Oakland, CA 94618 in the name of Sandra Gerbo Growey.