Sandra Orabelle Criswell

April 12, 1930 - May 05, 2021

Sandra Orabelle Criswell, 91, of San Francisco, California passed away May 5, 2021, with her family by her side holding her hands. Sandra was born on Saturday, April 12, 1930 to Wallace and Nellie. Sandra spent her early years growing-up in Alabama. She had youthful dreams of raising four children and living in San Francisco, California. At the very young age of 17 she took a leap of faith and journeyed to California and found San Francisco to be her new Home. Sandra fell in love with San Francisco and her newly found husband, Len. God had blessed Sandra’s dreams with four children. Sandra re-married the late Robert Criswell, and they lived together in San Francisco for over 35 years. Sandy is survived by her three children: Sondra and Sheila of Modesto, CA; and Rondal, of Ridgefield, Connecticut. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren and her beautiful sister (and best friend) Dorothy. Sandy was predeceased by her loving Son, Randal in 2010.

She had great love for her daughter-in-law Annette and Priscilla and son-in-law Jeff and Jack. She adored her Grand / Great Grandchildren.

Mom, As I get older, I realize I have always been blessed to have you. I thank you for giving me your love that made all the difference in my life. Please know that through our Lord Jesus Christ your heart will eternally rest in my heart. Love Your daughter Sondra Dear mom, I don’t know where to begin to tell you how much I love you and will miss you. I always love talking with you about our gardens and cooking. I will truly miss our special outings, especially to Pacifica and San Francisco beaches. Thank you for all of the sacrifices you made for us. You will always be in my thoughts and in my heart. Love you forever. Your daughter Sheila.

Sandy loved two things more than anything – her grandchildren and growing flowers. She enjoyed hanging photos of her grandchildren in the living room so she could always look at them, and she loved to grow flowers. The very thought of her grandchildren would bring a smile to her face, and she had a green thumb that could grow flowers from seeds, bulbs, cuttings, and plants. I wish her love and a profusion of flowers in heaven. Love Priscilla

To a mother-in-law who lovingly open her arms and made me part of the family. Love Annette

Thank you Grandma for all your love, support and fun times we had. We will miss you! Love Randal and Erica Grandma Sandy was full of life and light, she was one of a kind. She was a very caring and loving person, who encouraged happiness, success and empathy towards others. She taught us to be proud of our beliefs, to voice our opinions, to be kind, caring, and loving towards others and never to stop working hard for our dreams. Grandma was a feminist and an activist ahead of her time, she was courageous. She led a movement to protect the San Bruno Mountains form development in San Bruno, California. She didn’t shy away from defending what was “Right”. She was also the First female appointed as a ForeWomen (not Foreman) at the ITT Corporation Continental Baking Company. She was quite the chef too. Her signature chile relleno’s and pumpkin pie brought excitement and happiness to everyone lucky enough to get a piece. It warms our hearts to know her soul will always be with us, and so will her recipes. It’s been a blessing having you hear on earth Grandma Sandy and we are eternally grateful to have been part of your life. Heaven gained another Angel! Aloha Mahalo Grandma. A hui hou (ah-hoo-wee-ho-oo-uu) – Until we meet again. We Love you Grandma - Mady, Donald, Henry. Cherokee Blessing - May the warm winds of heaven blow softly...May the Great Spirit bless all who enter there. May your mocassins make happy tracks in many snows, and may the rainbow always touch your shoulder. Love Rondal (Mom, “You” know the love I have for you. We’ll always be in touch)

Sandy’s Life Celebration will be held on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at 1PM at the San Francisco Columbarium & Funeral Home. 1 Loraine Ct, San Francisco, CA. 415-771-0717