Sande Staub was a wonderful person and an amazing mom. Of all the many things I learned from her, she showed me what generosity looked like, she taught me that hard work matters, she showed me how to be a great host, and she taught all who had the pleasure of knowing her how to enjoy life, especially the simple things.
She was the best possible "grannie" you could imagine. My kids, Sierra and Marissa Pelino, adored her, and she was such a big part of their lives. Below is the obituary I wrote in honor of my Mom, and my tribute to her about a life well-lived that was never short of fun, laughs, and the occasional limerick!
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Sande Staub never met a stranger. At hello, you could feel her warmth and openness. She was known for her outgoing personality, infectious laugh, and million-dollar smile. She passed peacefully at home on March 13, 2021, at age 72.
Sande hailed from Dayton, Ohio. As a young stay-at-home mother, she volunteered at St. Peter Catholic Church in Huber Heights, Ohio and coached softball. She took pride in making her home a welcoming, revolving door for family and friends. Her generosity knew no boundaries. Later in life, she reinvented herself. With an unmatched work ethic, she built a career, holding various roles, including bookkeeper, instructor and business manager. Her work at Wright Patterson Air Force Base provided exciting opportunities, including a trip to Japan, a career highlight.
She enjoyed leisure time on the golf course and cruising in her red convertible. It suited her perfectly. She traded her life in Ohio for one in Vermont to watch her grandchildren grow up, and that she did for 21 years. Her grandchildren, Sierra and Marissa Pelino, were the light of her life. Weekends at "Grannie's" rivalled a top-notch summer camp, equipped with crafts, musical performances, bike rides, baking, and a bounty of sweet and salty snacks. She cherished and embraced every minute with them.
Her collection of friends was as varied as her interests. She accepted others as they were and always showed her true, authentic self. Sande found joy in simple things, such as good company and basking in the warm sunshine on a beautiful day.
Beloved mother of Michael Staub and Pamela Staub Pelino, sister of Harold (Spike) Mouser, Deby Boss, and the late Sharon McCoy. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly, and countless friends in Ohio, Vermont, and beyond.
In Sande's honor, a memorial bench bearing her name adorns the Burlington, Vermont waterfront. Her fun-loving personality will be forever missed, but the memories remain in our hearts.