Sandra A. Hedinger, 82, went to rest in the hands of the Lord on February 8, 2022 in her home in White Signal surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her beloved husband of 61 years, Robert V. Hedinger, her only daughter, Lori Ann Hedinger-Bonomo, her much-loved son in law, Michael L. Bonomo of Silver City, and many cousins residing in New York, Florida, and Arizona.
Sandra was born on All Saints Day, November 1, 1939 in Poughkeepsie, New York to James Oliver Rau and Yolanda A. Fratangelo-Rau. Sandra spent her early years living with her Mom in San Diego, CA. on the naval base while her Dad served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. After the war, the family moved back to New York, living briefly in Buffalo and then back to Poughkeepsie while her Dad managed the Dairylea Milk Cooperative. Sandra excelled in everything she did, including ballet dancing and equestrian sports. After graduating from Wappinger Falls Central High School in 1957, she attended and graduated from Orange County Community College and the Krissler Business Institute. On June 18th, 1960, Sandra wed the love of her life, Robert V. Hedinger, who had recently returned from Germany after serving in the U.S. Air Force. They welcomed their only child, daughter Lori Ann, in May of the following year, just in time for Mother’s Day. Having a keen mind for business and the gift of conversation, Sandra was the first woman to work and manage the hardware department at the Montgomery Ward Department Store located in Poughkeepsie, NY. The family moved to Boca Raton Florida in 1975, when Robert took a transfer to work in the IBM Development Lab that produced the PC computer. Sandra loved South Florida and immediately began working in the retail clothing field by managing the She an Me Shoppe in Boca Raton and Casual Corner in Pompano Beach, Florida. Following her love of learning and interests in many areas, Sandra enrolled at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton to study Anthropology which resulted in many trips to Mexico studying the Mayan culture. Sandra and Robert eventually built their dream home in Loxahatchee, Florida where they were able to raise horses and live in rural Palm Beach County. Sandra obtained her real estate license and worked for Royal Palm Beach Construction for many years. It brought her much joy to help families build their own dream homes. After retirement, Sandra and Robert took the plunge and moved across the county to the Silver City area where they built their home in White Signal. It was a dream come true to look at the beautiful mountains, raise their beloved pets, and enjoy the art and culture of the Desert Southwest. Sandra made many special friends in Grant County, and really enjoyed her retirement years. In addition to her family, Sandra had many loves the included cooking Italian cuisine for friends and family, attending the opera and ballets with her daughter, National Geographic magazine, Native American history and art, Masterpiece Theater on PBS, classic films, cooking shows, scary movies, Frank Sinatra, gardening and growing roses, volunteering at Saint Francis Newman Center and Santa Clara Catholic Church kitchen, taking care of her many cats, dogs and horses, and of course taking care of her family. In any conversation, she never missed a beat. Her work ethic was extraordinary and she positively touched many lives during her time in this world. Her Catholic faith was a very important part of her life. She never stopped reading to learn more about everything. Her family already misses her very much but knows that will be with her again one day.
In lieu of flowers, friends can make a donation in Sandra A. Hedinger’s name to the High Desert Humane Society, 3050 S. Cougar Way, Silver City, NM 88061- mailing address P.O Box 1973, Silver City NM 88062.
Visitation will be held at Terrazas Funeral Chapel at 5:00 P.M. on Tuesday, February 15th followed by recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 P.M. A funeral Mass will be held the following day, Wednesday, February 16th at 11:00 A.M. at St. Francis Newman Center. Officiated by Father Bartholemew Ezenwelem. Burial will immediately follow at Fort Bayard National Cemetery.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels.
Sandra was born on All Saints Day, November 1, 1939 in Poughkeepsie, New York to James Oliver Rau and Yolanda A. Fratangelo-Rau. Sandra spent her early years living with her Mom in San Diego, CA. on the naval base while her Dad served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. After the war, the family moved back to New York, living briefly in Buffalo and then back to Poughkeepsie while her Dad managed the Dairylea Milk Cooperative. Sandra excelled in everything she did, including ballet dancing and equestrian sports. After graduating from Wappinger Falls Central High School in 1957, she attended and graduated from Orange County Community College and the Krissler Business Institute. On June 18th, 1960, Sandra wed the love of her life, Robert V. Hedinger, who had recently returned from Germany after serving in the U.S. Air Force. They welcomed their only child, daughter Lori Ann, in May of the following year, just in time for Mother’s Day. Having a keen mind for business and the gift of conversation, Sandra was the first woman to work and manage the hardware department at the Montgomery Ward Department Store located in Poughkeepsie, NY. The family moved to Boca Raton Florida in 1975, when Robert took a transfer to work in the IBM Development Lab that produced the PC computer. Sandra loved South Florida and immediately began working in the retail clothing field by managing the She an Me Shoppe in Boca Raton and Casual Corner in Pompano Beach, Florida. Following her love of learning and interests in many areas, Sandra enrolled at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton to study Anthropology which resulted in many trips to Mexico studying the Mayan culture. Sandra and Robert eventually built their dream home in Loxahatchee, Florida where they were able to raise horses and live in rural Palm Beach County. Sandra obtained her real estate license and worked for Royal Palm Beach Construction for many years. It brought her much joy to help families build their own dream homes. After retirement, Sandra and Robert took the plunge and moved across the county to the Silver City area where they built their home in White Signal. It was a dream come true to look at the beautiful mountains, raise their beloved pets, and enjoy the art and culture of the Desert Southwest. Sandra made many special friends in Grant County, and really enjoyed her retirement years. In addition to her family, Sandra had many loves the included cooking Italian cuisine for friends and family, attending the opera and ballets with her daughter, National Geographic magazine, Native American history and art, Masterpiece Theater on PBS, classic films, cooking shows, scary movies, Frank Sinatra, gardening and growing roses, volunteering at Saint Francis Newman Center and Santa Clara Catholic Church kitchen, taking care of her many cats, dogs and horses, and of course taking care of her family. In any conversation, she never missed a beat. Her work ethic was extraordinary and she positively touched many lives during her time in this world. Her Catholic faith was a very important part of her life. She never stopped reading to learn more about everything. Her family already misses her very much but knows that will be with her again one day.
In lieu of flowers, friends can make a donation in Sandra A. Hedinger’s name to the High Desert Humane Society, 3050 S. Cougar Way, Silver City, NM 88061- mailing address P.O Box 1973, Silver City NM 88062.
Visitation will be held at Terrazas Funeral Chapel at 5:00 P.M. on Tuesday, February 15th followed by recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 P.M. A funeral Mass will be held the following day, Wednesday, February 16th at 11:00 A.M. at St. Francis Newman Center. Officiated by Father Bartholemew Ezenwelem. Burial will immediately follow at Fort Bayard National Cemetery.
Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels.
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