Sandy M. Lawrence

Sandy M. Lawrence passed away on August 16, 2023, in Vincennes, IN, at the age of 61. Sandy was a remarkable woman whose strength, laughter, and deep love for her family and friends made her a memorable force in the lives of many.

Born on April 24, 1962, she grew up in Palestine, IL, and was a 1980 graduate of Palestine High School. Sandy's professional journey was as varied as her vivacious personality. Immediately after high school, she began working for Leaf (now Hershey), following which she briefly lived in Oklahoma before returning home to raise her beloved daughter. Over the years, she was associated with various local establishments, including Robinson Transformer, Lawrence Sunoco, Ramsey's, and the Palestine Eagles, which doubled as a home away from home where she enjoyed good friends, good food, and good music. Sandy's last few years of employment found her at the Marathon refinery as a member of the Clean Harbors and HydroChem teams. Her strong work ethic and peculiar knack for using playful (sometimes inappropriate) nicknames to greet her peers brightened the workplace, a testament to her unique candidness and wit.

Never a stranger to laughter, Sandy's humor would always shine through. Whether it was embarrassing her daughter or grandson by having their names paged over a store's intercom or reminding her friends of the brevity of life by sending them black balloons on their birthdays, she proved time and again that you shouldn't expect a dull moment with her!

Her infectious humor and straightforward approach endeared her to many, while her strength and resilience were seen in her first victorious battle against cancer, dismissing chemo's adverse effects with a strong, affirmed: "No, it won't." This fierce defiance is undoubtedly what led her to beat the disease the first time around, and the joy of ringing that bell was a happiness second only to that of being a mother and "Nana". After all, her love for her daughter, Stacie, and her grandson, Wyatt, knew no bounds, and she relished these roles with boundless joy and enthusiasm. Sandy's passing on her grandson's birthday and her funeral service on her daughter's birthday is a testament to the intrinsic link between them, a link that will keep her memory alive in their hearts forever.

While Sandy was quick to voice her opinion, she was also quick to express her love. It's this very love that will continue to live on as her lasting legacy, and her memory will forever remain a source of inspiration and comfort to us all. Rest in peace, Sandy, and thank you.

She is survived by her daughter, Stacie Nicoson (Terre Haute, IN); her grandson, Wyatt Nicoson (Terre Haute, IN); her stepson, Jason Hammond (Leesville, LA); her siblings, Rick Lawrence (Palestine, IL), Shelia Mendenhall (West York, IL), and Lori Richardson (Palestine, IL); by her nieces and nephews, Earnie & Diane Mendenhall, Derek Mendenhall, Casey & Katelyn Mendenhall, Tabatha & Craig Smith, J.R. Richardson, Heather Kibler, Tiffany Kibler, Elizabeth Moyer, and Allissa Lawrence-Shroyer; by her step-nieces and step-nephews, Neil & Jeri Bantican, Amy & Ben Beckes, Mario & Amanda Bantican, and Maria Garrard; as well as numerous friends, including Murf and her special group of girlfriends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elgie Lawrence and Mary (Parker) Lawrence McGahey; her stepmother, Inge Lawrence; her sister, Viola Lawrence; her brother, Gordon "Gordo" Lawrence; and her longtime companion, Jeff Hammond.

A time of visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 22nd, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 23rd, at the funeral home with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating. During the service, family and friends will be given the opportunity to share stories and speak about this dear woman's life. For those unable to attend, a live stream of the service will be available at www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream .

Burial will be in the Palestine Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to her family, with checks made payable to "Stacie Nicoson".