Sara Ann ‘Sandy’ Painter

Sara Ann “Sandy” Painter, 79, of Pine Grove, PA, passed away Sunday, June 25th, at Hershey Medical Center.

Born in Atlantic City, NJ on September 5, 1937, she was a daughter of the late Ethel Buchanan.

She was the widow of Howard T. Painter, Jr., who preceded her in death February 11, 2011. The couple shared 46 ½ years of marriage.

Sandy had received her master’s degree in nursing from the University of Pennsylvania, and was a member of National Honor Society, Sigma Theta Tau.

She had been employed as a nurse for over 50 years and had served as Vice President of the former Good Samaritan Hospital, Pottsville.

She was a board member for Care Net of Schuylkill County and was very active in the Swatara Village Community, Pine Grove.

She was a member of Pine Grove Community Church Pine Grove, PA .

In addition to her mother and husband, Sandy is also preceded in death by her grandson, Marc Plotts, USMC, in 2010, and stepson, Howard T. “Scott” Painter, III.

She is survived by two daughters: Cynthia (Painter) Carney, wife of Joe, and Lee-Ann (Painter) Forsythe, wife of Calvin “Buzz”, a step-son, Gary B. Painter, grandchildren: Nik & Brandie Painter, Eilise Carney, Gary Plotts, Jr., husband of Rachel, Douglas Plotts, & Kyle Forsythe, great-granddaughters: Chloe, Carly, Cailin, & Cymber Plotts, and a sister-inlaw, Virginia Murphy.

A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be conducted at Pine Grove Community Church at 12 noon on Wednesday, June 28th, with Reverend Bob Kensinger officiating.

A viewing will be held Wednesday at the church from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

Burial will follow the service at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.

Family request donations in Sandy’s memory to Care Net, 171 Red Horse Rd., Pottsville, PA 17901, or Wreaths Across America, P O Box 249, Columbia Falls, ME 04623.

To extend online condolences, visit, www.gsesfuneralhomes.com

Geschwindt-Stabingas Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven, has been entrusted with arrangements.