Sandra June Nichols

Sandra June Nichols of Canby, Oregon died peacefully after a brief illness on June 8th. Sandra was born on June 27, 1940 in Sedro-Woolley, Washington to Perry and Lottie Jackson. She was preceded in death by her three brothers Bill, Jim, and Dick. She is survived by her beloved husband Donald and their four children Rick (Dee Ann), Jon (Janine ), Amy (Jeffrey), and Donald Jr., 7 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and her precious and most spoiled jack russell, Cleo.

Proverbs 27:2 says, “Don't boast about yourself. Let others praise you." We are going to praise you, Sandra June.

Family and Jesus describe Sandy perfectly. Sandy was always available for cub scouts, boy scouts, girlscouts, school carnivals, and PTA. And of course glorious trips to Disneyland. She happily did all of this and so much more for her children. This has continued to her grandchildren. Every school play, grandparents day, sports game, tea party, and birthday party - she was there. Her great grandchildren that she loved so dearly also got to experience her endless presence. Any invitation - Gigi was ready to go.

The love she poured out wasn't just for her family. She served Jesus faithfully with the Portland Toy and Joy Makers, providing toys for Christmas to low income children, and the Portland Women's Club, which aimed at bettering communities. She spent 30 years making and serving meals to the homeless at Peniel Mission in Portland. Sandy faithfully donated to many charities. One of her favorites was Samaritan's Purse for Operation Christmas Child. She faithfully helped send hygiene products and small toys to children around the world, along with the message of the good news of Jesus. She loved her Bethany church family, and served in any and all ways possible. She truly was the hands and feet of Jesus.

She had a mobile home and house that she further used to serve those who needed a place to stay. One man who stayed there recently paid a visit to give her his 6 years sober AA coin out of gratitude for her helping him when he needed a safe place to live. She also befriended a Vietnam vet that she faithfully took to the VA hospital for dialysis for over 15 years. Dave became a brother to her and a much loved family member. Sandy never met a stranger. Once she met you, you were her friend.

She was all about doing the Lord’s work. We could go on forever about her servant's heart. It's just how God made her. It's who she was. It motivated everything she did and how she lived her life. We will miss her terribly, more than words can say, but we find peace knowing exactly where she is - home and healed in the presence of the Lord for eternity. As believers, we know that we will see her again, and that brings much comfort.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 1 at 10am at Bethany Church in Canby, Oregon. Should you wish to honor Sandy’s memory, we kindly ask in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Operation Christmas Child via Samaritan's Purse.