Sandra Lynn Wargowsky's Obituary
Sandra Lynn Wargowsky, age 90, of Ashburn, Virginia died on July 23, 2023, peacefully and surrounded by her family.
Sandra, known as “Sandy” to her many friends or “Nanny” to her grandchildren, brightened the lives of everyone she met.
She was a dedicated teacher, a wonderful wife & mother, and a fabulous grandmother.
Sandy was born in 1932 in Toledo, Ohio, the younger daughter of Samuel and Vernie Lynn and sister to Janet. In 1947, she met her future husband, Richard (Dick) Wargowsky, in their Waite High School sophomore English class. College took Sandy to Michigan State, while Dick attended Columbia and West Point, before they married in June 1955. They were married for 68 years. Those who knew them were charmed by their long love story — an example of unconditional love and forgiveness.
Sandy graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. degree in elementary education. As Dick’s military career moved them 17 times from Burtonwood, England to bases across America, Sandy pursued her love of teaching. She was a favorite of her students, many of whom have stayed in touch over the years. Sandy retired in 1995 with 31 teaching years from James Ryder Randell Elementary in Clinton, Maryland. Her life after teaching included volunteer work with the Alexandria Visitors Center, classroom help in elementary schools near her home, chaplain’s hours in hospitals as a certified Stephens Minister, and travel all over the world, hand in hand with Dick.
Sandy is survived by her husband, Dick, and their three children: Jan Cory (John Cory) of Westport CT, R. Eric Wargowsky of Reston VA and Kent Wargowsky (Kim Wargowsky) of Atlanta GA. They have seven grandchildren, Kenyon Cory (Daniel Baicker), R. Samuel Wargowsky, Hannah Wargowsky (Elijah Wargowsky), Caroline Cory, Liz Cory, Olivia Wargowsky, and Isabel Wargowsky. They have one great grandchild, August Wargowsky.
Sandy stayed close with her family throughout her life. She fostered a sense of belonging and instilled in us the importance of being together. Sandy regularly called her children over coffee in the morning and welcomed grandchildren to visit on the weekends, always curious to learn what was new in their lives. We will miss her dearly and think of her often.
An open memorial service to celebrate Sandy’s life will be held in Farmwell Hall at Ashby Ponds in Ashburn, Virginia on September 1st at 11:00 am. There will be a private family burial at the beautiful West Point cemetery this fall.
Donations in lieu of flowers should be made to: BackPack Buddies, c/o Galilee United Methodist Church, 45425 Winding Road, Sterling, VA 20165. BackPack Buddies is designed to provide children experiencing food insecurity with nutritious, kid-friendly meals for the weekend — when they would not have access to a school’s free lunch and breakfast.
What’s your fondest memory of Sandra?
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Share a story where Sandra's kindness touched your heart.
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