Sandra Welsh Chappel

Sandra Welsh Chappel passed away May 5, 2015, at her home in Wasilla, surrounded by her family.

Sandy was born in Cambridge, Mass., in 1952 and grew up in southern California, with each summer spent back on the East Coast. She was an avid tennis player and was well-known for being a fierce competitor on and off the tennis court.

Sandy married Dave on April 24, 1976, in Yakima, Wash., where they lived until moving their family of six to Wasilla in 1981.

Sandy loved to snowmachine, kayak and fish and shared these experiences with family and friends. Her fishing prowess at their lake cabin is legendary, where she and Dave spent their retirement years together. She could always be found on the lake fishing with friends, kids and grandchildren, or just by herself.

Sandy will be remembered most for her profound love for her children and grandchildren, her kindness, generosity and warmth given to anyone welcomed in her home. She was a great wife, a wonderful mother and grandmother, and a spectacular host. She is deeply missed.

Sandy is survived by her beloved husband, Dave; daughters and sons-in-law, Dennelle and Terry Seetomona, Laurie Chappel, and Lesley and Matt Bunch; son, Chris Layfield, and nine grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Irene and Paul Wilson, and her daughter-in-law, Melinda Layfield.