Sandra Lee Card

A bright, shining light was extinguished on Friday, June 17th, as our much-loved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and all-time friend, Sandra (Sandy) Card died of heart failure.

Born Sandra Lee Shambaugh to parents Mary Elizabeth Miller Shambaugh and William Shambaugh, Sandy spent her childhood and teen years in Harrisburg, PA. She graduated from the former John Harris High School and then married Charles (Chuck) Nicholson in 1959. They raised their three children there until Chuck found work out West. In 1966 the family relocated to Boise, Idaho. The two later divorced in 1978.

Sandy’s strong work ethic led her to her first job in Boise at Falk’s ID Store, then to Patterson Dental Supply, and finally, to Fairmont Junior High School where she applied for the position of library assistant. When interviewed, she was asked if she would stay more than one year if trained. She retired in 2004 after THIRTY years, outlasting four librarians! Her rapport with faculty and students contributed greatly to her success at school.

Sandy’s outside interests included quilting, crafts, gardening, difficult jigsaw puzzles, and of course, reading!

Sandy began dating a close friend, Everett Christison, and in 1980 they were married. Although Sandy was raised a ‘city girl’, she and Everett lived on ten acres with horses, cows, goats, and even pigs. She was finally a country girl! Sadly, Everett died suddenly in 1993.

Her wine-tasting friends of 20 years introduced her, at long last, to Robert (Bob) Card. Married in 2004, the happiest time of her life, Bob, Sandy and these companions often spent weekends camping, BBQing, going to Jackpot – just enjoying life and each other’s friendships. Bob often sent her flowers “just because”. Lovingly cared for by Sandy, her soulmate died in 2015.

Sandy was also preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Bill, Fred, Duke, Wayne and her sister Marianne Askey. She is survived by her children: Linda Hartshorn (Paul), Chuck Nicholson, Cathy Nicholson, seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and Mylie, her special feline companion.

Thanks to those friends, family and caregivers for being with Sandy each and every day on her journey.

Graveside services will be held at Cloverdale Memorial Park on Friday, June 24th at 11AM. An indoor reception will follow the commemoration at the Cloverdale Funeral Home’s Event Center.

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal.
Love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
-From an Irish headstone