Sandra (Steckly) Lyndaker

GLENFIELD - It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Sandra S. Lyndaker, 54, of Wetmore Road on Friday, September 1, 2023 at Rochester General Hospital in Rochester, NY, as a result of complications following the removal of a brain tumor.

Sandra is survived by her beloved husband of 33 years, Larry; her children, McKenzie (Zac) Lehman of Beaver Falls, Madison (Josh) Petrus of Rome,  McKailey Lyndaker of Potsdam, and Chase Lyndaker of Glenfield; her granddaughters, Audrey and Adalie Petrus; her mother, Sherry L. Steckly Keesecker; her siblings, Ed (Cheryl) Steckly of Belfort and Katherine Neuschwander of Lebanon, OR; her Lyndaker in-laws, Bruce (Lori) Lyndaker of Belfort, Kim (Maryann) Lyndaker of Beaver Falls, Stephen Lyndaker of Belfort, Michele (Steven) Brown of Croghan, Teresa (Craig) Campeau of West Monroe, and Julie (Mitch) Robinson of Croghan; her step-siblings; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. She is predeceased by her father, Lester L. Steckly; her step-father, Keith Keesecker; her father and mother-in-law, Arnold and Carolyn Lyndaker; and her niece, Gabrielle Thomas.

Sandra was born in Salem, Oregon on May 15, 1969, a daughter of the late Lester L. Steckly and Sherry L. Berkey Steckly. She spent her young life growing up in northwestern Oregon before convincing her parents to allow her to move across the country at just 16 years old to live with her brother in Croghan, NY. She presented the idea as “something like a study abroad” and insisted that she would return home in a year. That year turned into a lifetime after she was set up on a blind date with Larry, and the rest is history. She graduated from Beaver River Central School in 1987 and attended Eastern Mennonite University for one year. While at EMU, she played softball. Sandra returned to New York to attend Jefferson Community College and went on to receive both her Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree in Education from SUNY Potsdam. On December 30, 1989, she married Larry J. Lyndaker at Sweet Home Mennonite Church in Sweet Home, Oregon, with Pastor Larry Sloan officiating. Sandra began her teaching career at Beaver River Central School. While there, she coached modified softball. She began teaching at Lowville Academy in 2000, primarily teaching kindergarten, where she remained until the time of her passing. Sandra coached modified volleyball, as well as modified, junior varsity, and varsity softball, all during her time at Lowville. She was very involved with the Lowville Sports Booster Club and other committees at Lowville Academy.

Sandra was a member of First Mennonite Church of New Bremen. She enjoyed traveling and taking road trips with her family and had traveled to each of the contiguous 48 states. Sandra also enjoyed gardening, hobby farming, animals, antiques, genealogy, and history. She especially loved kayaking and being outdoors. Sandra loved life and lived it to the fullest.

Sandra will be remembered for her outgoing personality, her bright smile, and her ability to talk to just about anyone. She had a voice and laugh that traveled across a room and down the school hallways. She was always so confident and undoubtedly herself with a fierce, independent, adventurous, and spontaneous spirit that thrived in the chaos of life. She was constantly worried about the well-being of others and saw the potential in people that just needed to be given a chance. She showed love to those that needed it the most. Always ambitious in her endeavors, she was never afraid to break barriers. Most of all, she was unconditionally devoted to her family. She always kept life interesting and fun for her family, friends, colleagues, students, and players. She leaves a huge hole in the hearts of those who loved her.

Calling hours will be held from 2:00 to 6:00 PM on Friday, September 8, 2023 at Iseneker Funeral Home, Inc. in Lowville. The funeral service will be at 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at First Mennonite Church in New Bremen with Pastor Ed Steckly, brother, officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. A celebration of life is being planned immediately following the funeral and burial, with a location to be determined. Details will be announced during the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Lowville Academy and Central School, 7668 North State Street, Lowville, NY 13367 with a notation for the Sandra S. Lyndaker Memorial Scholarship Fund.

The family would like to thank the staff at Unity Hospital and Rochester General Hospital for their exceptional care of Sandra and compassion to the family during her stay.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.isenekerfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.