Sandra Joy Bossom

Sandra Joy Bossom, or Sandy as she preferred, a beloved mother, grandmother, and dedicated community member, passed away peacefully September 23, 2024, in Portland, Oregon at the age of 76.

Sandy was born March 20, 1948, in Astoria, Oregon to Walter and Doris Lofgren, and had three half-brothers Ron, Don, and David. She was introduced to her future husband, Walter J. Bossom, by her best friend and his sister, Therese, who would soon become her lifelong sister-in-law, along with Walt’s other four sisters. Sandy and Walter were married on December 20, 1969, and remained together until his passing in October 2014. Together, they raised three sons: Michael, Scott, and Patrick. Sandy faced the heartbreaking loss of her son Patrick in 2017 but kept a close relationship with his wife Casandra through the following years. She is survived by her sons Michael and Scott, and their families. Michael’s family includes his wife Caroline and their daughters Amanda and Danielle. Scott’s family includes his wife Keri and their children Cory, Mitchell, and Myah.

Sandy was a dedicated member of the St. Charles Catholic Church and school community since 1980. At church she played a significant role in organizing yearly spaghetti dinners and regularly volunteering, including serving food to the homeless. Sandy served on the church’s administrative council, finalizing a Verizon cell tower agreement that provided much-needed income. With the school, she played a key role in lease negotiations with De La Salle Catholic High School. And back in the late 1980s, she felt they needed a school bus, so she found one to purchase and then even served as the only bus driver.

Professionally, Sandy worked for many years as an Oregon State employee at the Multnomah County Courthouse in downtown Portland. She also ran a home business providing daycare for several children, touching many young lives with her care and kindness. She also worked welcoming people at the Providence Portland Hospital front door, assisting all visitors coming to see their family and friends, many of whom were dealing with their own stress and worry. 

Sandy lived in the same home since 1975, surrounded by many good neighborhood, church, and work friends. Despite the challenges of kidney dialysis in her later years, which required treatments three days a week (and driving herself to/from each time), Sandy kept a positive attitude and outlook on life. She enjoyed spending time with Walt, and often the grandkids, traveling in their motor home to KOA campgrounds, Detroit Lake and family reunions - quite a bit more than making similar camping/tent trips when her boys were younger. San Diego visits were highlighted by watching her other grandkids at their horseback lessons. There were many weekend trips with friends to the beach, with the usual casino and restaurant stops along the way. Cooking was something she always enjoyed and passed on to her kids – and she never found a kitchen gadget she didn’t like or a recipe she didn’t want to try. You never had to question where you stood with Sandy and some of you reading this may have had the privilege of receiving one of her letters she would write if she wasn’t so happy with you. Of course, that also meant she really cared for you. 

Sandy’s legacy of love, dedication, and community service will be remembered by all who knew her. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the many lives she touched throughout her life.