Dr. Sandra L. D’Angelo, lovingly known as Sandy, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2026, at the age of 78 at The Lodge at Woodside in Springfield, Missouri.

Sandy was born on September 24, 1947, in Akron, Ohio, to Keith D. and Aileen (Schenk) Ford. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, David Ford.

A woman of deep faith, Sandy carried throughout her life a quiet devotion to God, a compassionate spirit, and a profound belief in the dignity and goodness of others. Her Catholic faith was a steady foundation that guided her relationships, her generosity, and the grace with which she faced life’s joys and hardships.

Sandy is survived by her son, Jeffrey “Cori” Schlegel and his wife, Cynthia Schlegel (Gerhard); her grandchildren, Willow Schlegel and Ceciele Schlegel; her brother Keith Ford; her brother Rodney Ford and his wife, Mary; her stepson, Aaron Nietzel and his daughter, Tallulah; as well as her loyal and constant four-legged companion, Lulu.

Education was not simply Sandy’s profession—it was one of the defining passions of her life. She believed deeply in the transformative power of learning and devoted herself wholeheartedly to scholarship, teaching, and intellectual growth. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Miami University of Ohio, her Master of Science degree from Frostburg State College, and her Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Kentucky in Lexington. Never far from the classroom, Sandy spent much of her professional life teaching in higher education, where she found great purpose in mentoring students and sharing her love of knowledge.

Sandy’s family is deeply appreciative of the compassionate staff at The Lodge at Woodside, a peaceful respite in her final years, especially Melissa and Zach Smallwood, and of her enduring friend Nadia Cavner for the kindness, friendship, and care shown to her.

A Funeral Mass will be held on May 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church, with the Very Reverend Shoby M Chettiyath officiating and Reverend Fergus Monaghan concelebrating, under the direction of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Manchester Cemetery in New Franklin, Ohio, where Sandy will rest beside her parents. A reception for family and friends will immediately follow the Mass at the church.

Sandy quietly supported many charitable causes throughout the Springfield area and believed strongly in fostering goodwill among people. In her memory, the family asks that those who wish to honor her life do so with a charitable gift of their choosing or with an act of kindness that encourages compassion, understanding, and goodwill toward others.