Sandra “Sandi” Avery, a vibrant resident of Dexter, Michigan, passed away on November 20, 2025, at the age of 79, concluding a life rich with adventure, professional dedication, and deep familial bonds.
Born on January 11, 1946, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to parents Tom and Fran VandenBrink, she embodied a spirit of exploration and caring that touched countless lives in Washtenaw County. The Dexter community reflects on the profound influence of a woman whose energy and generosity left lasting impressions across personal and social spheres.
Sandi’s lifestyle revolved around thrilling pursuits that showcased her adventurous nature, including global travels, skydiving from airplanes, bungee jumping off bridges, mountain trekking, and cross-country motorcycle rides. These experiences highlighted her fearless approach to life, balancing exhilaration with a grounded appreciation for the world’s diverse landscapes and cultures.
Professionally, Sandi graduated from Eastern Michigan University and built a meaningful career as an occupational therapist in Ann Arbor, retiring in 2006 after decades of service. Her work reflected profound thoughtfulness and genuine compassion, helping patients regain independence and improve quality of life through tailored therapeutic interventions.
At the core of Sandi’s world was her fierce devotion to family, serving as the cherished wife of Dean Avery for 60 years in a partnership filled with shared adventures and unwavering support. She was a loving mother to children Jeromy and Shiloh, daughter-in-law Molly, son-in-law Jason Roehrig, and adoring grandmother to Ashley, Tessa, and Lydia. Often called the family “glue” and social coordinator, she nurtured connections through regular calls, visits, and gatherings that strengthened intergenerational ties.
A celebration of Sandi’s life took place on December 6, 2025, beginning at 11 a.m. with a service at noon at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, Michigan, allowing friends and family to gather and honor her remarkable legacy. In lieu of flowers, contributions were encouraged to the American Red Cross or Samaritan’s Purse, aligning with her generous heart and commitment to humanitarian causes. This tribute underscored the community’s appreciation for her thoughtful impact.
Sandra “Sandi” Avery lived a life well lived, distinguished by adventurous pursuits, dedicated occupational therapy service, and profound familial devotion in Dexter, Michigan. Her legacy endures through the joyful memories of travels and thrills shared, the patients empowered by her care, and the unbreakable bonds she forged as wife, mother, and grandmother.