Sandra "Sandy" Georgene Thoms

Sandra “Sandy” Georgene Thoms, 86, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2025, at Pine Grove Crossing Senior Living Center in Parker, Colorado, with her family by her side.

Sandy was born in 1938 in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, to Helen Eckels and John Vincent Gudac. She grew up in McKeesport and graduated from McKeesport High School in 1956. Following high school, she completed nursing school and began her career as a nurse in the Pittsburgh area. Her nursing journey later brought her to San Francisco, California.

While working at a hospital in San Francisco, Sandy met and married Captain Rod Thoms of the U.S. Army. After Rod’s military service, the couple moved to North Dakota and eventually settled in East Grand Forks, Minnesota, where they raised their family and lived for nearly 35 years.

A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Sandy cherished her time with family—especially her grandchildren. Her compassion and dedication to helping others extended beyond her family and career; she served as a missionary nurse in Sudan, Haiti, and Mexico—experiences she treasured throughout her life. Later in her career, she mentored future nurses by tutoring students at Northwest Vocational College in East Grand Forks.

After retiring, Sandy and Rod moved to Colorado to be closer to their family.

Sandy is survived by her sons: Theron (Mary Kay) of Parker, Colorado; Jon of Aurora, Colorado; and Eric (Jean) of Savage, Minnesota. She is also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Natalie, Julia, Aubrey, Jillian, and Theron III.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, Rod.

A future service will be held, and Sandy will be laid to rest alongside Rod at Fort Logan National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse – Sudan Emergency Relief in honor of Sandy’s life and service: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/donation-items/sudan-emergency-relief/