Sandra "Sandy" Steinhilber

Our hearts are heavy as we announce the passing of Sandy (Swindler) Steinhilber, an exceptionally kind-hearted human being, thoughtful and loving friend, loved, cherished, and adored mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and a loyal and devoted wife. Sandy passed away on June 3, 2026 at the age of 89 leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of friendships far and wide, a long-lasting dedication to her family and community. Lastly, an utmost passion for animals amidst the great outdoors.

Born on April 4, 1937 in Chicago, Illinois; Sandy was the eldest child of Vernon Carl Swindler and Virginia Walker long time residents of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Sandy and her younger sister Georgia in tow, moved with her mother to Phoenix, Arizona in 1947 when Sandy was just ten years old. Phoenix, Arizona the land of the sun has happily remained her home ever since.

Sandy attended Madison #1 Grade School, North High School, graduated in class of 1955 in Phoenix. She carried on with her studies at the University of Arizona further pledging Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority, Sandy’s engrossment in fair play, she easily gravitated and immersed herself in her studies of Criminal Law and Political Science; moreover, Sandy did take delight in her studies of Interior Design. As it was a busy work life Sandy held down several jobs in radio and television journalism prior to starting a family with her first husband at the age of 21.

For all who knew Sandy, one knows she was a loyal, devoted, and a fiercely protective mother who stopped at nothing to care for her three children. She remained steadfast through every adversity with not only commitment, tenacity, true staying power but also a simple grace.

In addition, in raising her three children, Sandy was a perpetual volunteer in her community. She was active in the Junior League of Phoenix, the Boys and Girls Club of Phoenix, St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank of Arizona, the State Board of March of Dimes, and a lifetime member of the St. Joseph’s Hospital Auxiliary.

Conclusively, Sandy supported the Phoenix Fire Department in the Chaplaincy Program. This program delivers Chaplain Services to Fire Personnel at every scene whereby traumatic events unfold.

Sandy had many hobbies over the years such as golf, tennis, dance; however, Sandy’s life-long passion was gardening and always with animals by her side. She loved being outside while she dug her hands in the soil to plant any and every kind of flower in particular roses. Oh, how she loved her roses and knew every variety by name. Her innate ability to connect with plants and keep them growing bright and illustrious was without measure.

Sandy’s home was always full of beautiful and thriving plants. She was a long-standing member and further served as president of the historic Diggers Garden Club. This club is made up as a woman’s gardening club that has the earnestness on the fellowship of its members. The enthusiastic members share a deep-rooted love of nature while inviting the education of international plants and flowers as well as the desert horticulture spanning nearly 100 years.

Equally Sandy absolutely loved being around water within her environment outside, whether it was her beautiful backyard Koi Pond and her crystal-clear pool, her charming cabin in Oak Creek Canyon, Rush Lake of which was a brisk walk from her cherished farm in Wisconsin, and last but not least her love of walking on the shoreline of the beach in La Jolla, California. She would continually express how she felt a boundless sense of energy and in concert peace while in the presence of nature and her adored little pup “CC” clipped at Sandy’s heels.

Throughout Sandy’s life she embraced her triumphs and tragedies with an unwavering and an irreverent sense of humor though could always be counted on for sage advice.

Alternatively, Sandy’s quick-witted character would be center stage as she took immense pleasure in playful pranks on her kids and indeed her friends.

As being that extra-special mom, whose door was always open for not only her neighbors and friends but also her children’s friends; she was always “at the ready” with mischief and her famous chocolate chip cookies. Sandy’s home was like walking into a wonderland especially during every holiday. Christmas at Sandy’s home was like walking onto a Hallmark movie set.

Sandy enjoyed being with her friends thoroughly above all her love of all time, George Steinhilber, whom she married in 1988, was her pride and joy. She let it be known that this was the man who was not only her best friend but also the love of her life. They shared their love story together for 20 years. As like kind, they shared their life through experiences around with humor, fun, excitement, adventure, and utter joy. Sandy would talk about George as the one that allowed her to feel safe, truly loved and respected, and treasured like no other.

Of all roles, Sandy was a mother to all whom was a rare and beautiful soul – an elegant woman whose beauty radiated far beyond appearance and lived in every act of kindness, every word of encouragement, and every life she touched.

She moved through the world with an open heart, offering compassion freely and generously to anyone who crossed her path. She believed there was goodness in everyone and treated each person she met as though they mattered because to her, they truly did.

Yet alongside her gentle spirit lived a delightful mischievousness. Her smile often revealed that she was quietly plotting some harmless surprise – a fake cockroach tucked where it would cause the greatest commotion, a rubber rat hidden in a handbag, or yet again some other playful prank that would leave her laughing with childlike delight. She understood that joy was meant to be shared and that laughter was one of life’s greatest gifts.

Sandy was the steady anchor and the sheltering tree for those she loved. Through seasons of abundance and seasons of an imaginable sorrow, she stood strong. She endured the heartbreaking loss of one child and her beloved husband, burdens that might have broken may hearts. Yet somehow, she continued to meet each day with courage, grace, and a determination to keep living fully. Her strength was never loud; it was quiet, enduring, and extraordinary.

She found solace in sunshine and yes again, growing things. Flowers bloomed beneath her care, and plants flourished in her presence. The Garden was her sanctuary, where she could stand beneath the warmth of the sun and feel her spirit restored. Among blossoms and green leaves, she found hope. Nature spoke the language she understood best – that after every winter comes spring, and after every storm, new life emerges.

To those fortunate enough to know Sandy, she was a light in dark places and a comfort in difficult times. She had a gift for finding hope when others could not see it.

Whenever life felt heavy, she would gently remind us, “The sun will come up in the morning.”

An when doubt crept in and we answered, “Sometimes there are clouds,” she would smile and say, “oh, but the sun is behind the clouds.”

That simple exchange became her philosophy, her legacy, and her gift to us. She taught us that even when grief obscures our view, light remains. Even when hope feels distant, it is still there. Even when the sky is filled with clouds, the sun never stops shining.

Though we can no longer see Sandy with our eyes, we feel her everywhere – in the warmth of the morning sun, in the bloom of a flower, in the laughter shared among family, and in the quiet strength that carries us through difficult days.

She was and always will be one of life’s most precious gifts.

And now, like the sunshine so deeply loved, her light remains behind every cloud, shining on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Sandy is survived by her daughters Allison Lynch, Katie Lynch; four stepchildren Greg (Susan) Steinhilber, Tim (Diane) Steinhilber, Sara (Gary) Cabirae, and Lisa (John) Andews; nine grandchildren and one step great-grandson (with a second one on the way). She is preceded in death by her parents Vernon and Virginia Swindler, sister Georgia, son Terry Lynch, stepson Ted Steinhilber, step grandson Brenton Steinhilber and beloved husband George Steinhilber.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Sandy and her legacy of caring are encouraged to volunteer, or to make a donation in Sandy’s name to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank (https://www.stvincentdepaul.net), or the Arizona Humane Society (https://www.azhumane.org).

We look forward to inviting you all to a celebration of Sandy’s life this coming fall.

2 Timothy 4:7

“I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.” The words of Apostle Paul.