Sandra Helen McCauley

On the afternoon of Saturday, August 28th, 2021, our most beautiful mother, Sandra McCauley, went to the big jazz band in the sky. She remained a strong and beautiful spirit, with her loved ones surrounding her bedside in West Jordan, UT. 

Sandra was born on September 4th, 1941 in Holladay, UT into a home built by her father, with a beautiful view of Mount Olympus. She was an energetic girl who loved to harass her brothers and go horseback riding with her best friend, Barbara Jensen (née Johnson), who she kept in touch with her whole life since first meeting in kindergarten. 

Her heart was captured by and belonged to the Pacific Ocean, after she moved to California in the late 1970’s, a true “green-eyed lady, ocean lady”. It was at Moonlight Beach where she found herself again, spending hours upon hours bobbing in her blue string bikini, letting sunrays tan her skin, “soothing every raging wave that comes”. And it was in San Diego, CA where she was donned with her timely nickname, “Grandma San Diego”; she sent countless cards and notes lovingly using this signature. 

She catered on yachts and hobnobbed with the rich and famous, including Frankie Valli, The Everly Brothers, and Paul Desmond, who inspired her love of jazz. 

After a long stint living in California, she returned to Utah to be with her children, grandchildren, and to reunite with her much-loved siblings. In her 50’s, she returned to school to earn her degree in medical administration at Salt Lake Community College. Shortly following, she began working for Intermountain Health Care, Salt Lake Clinic, until retirement.

She found great peace later in life, taking comfort in her Christian faith and gardening, while battling several health issues—always with the love and support from her loving children. Held in her honor each year was a celebration called B.O.B’s Bash, which was hosted by her daughter, LesLee and son-in-law Scott, including games and competitive spirit enjoyed by all. Her entrance to this backyard party was revered, as she stepped into view to witness her joyous family looking back at her; our matriarch, our great protector.

She will always be remembered as the

Green-eyed lady, ocean lady

Soothing every raging wave that comes

Green-eyed lady, passion’s lady 

Dressed in love she lives for life to be

—And for her huge heart; her kindness always extended toward friends, family, and strangers who were lucky enough to receive her generosity, even when she didn’t have much to give. One of her most memorable phrases was “Things never stay the same my darling. I have a feeling something good is going to happen to you.”

Sandra is preceded in death by her brother, Gerald Iba (partner Stefano Tenorio), her mother, Frances Iba, and her father, Richard Iba. Her living legacy is the great big family who adored her: her seven children, Debra Verduzco, Suzan Kelley (husband Sean T. Kelley), Stephen McFarland (wife Christy McFarland), Kevin McFarland (partner Cindy McFarland), LesLee Snelson (husband Scott Snelson, deceased), Jessica Kelley (husband Greg Parker), Jennifer Beard; siblings Richard Iba, Marcia Wilhite (husband Jack Wilhite, deceased), Stephen Iba (wife Patricia Iba), Christina Daniels (husband Gary Daniels), Marilyn Colton (husband Geoff Colton); 27 grandchildren; 37 great grandchildren; and her beloved rescue terrier, Sadie.

Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, September 25, 2021 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East in Salt Lake City, Utah.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sandra’s name can be made to Christmas Box International charity, an organization working to prevent child abuse.

A special thank you to Kevin and Cindy for taking such great care of her.

Mama being your daughter at times has been a challenge but more than that it has been a privilege. You have taught me the meaning of humility and selfless love. You have been my best friend. I will love you for eternity and will miss you always.

Your first born,

Debra

My mama, my dearest friend, I will always love and cherish our times together. I know you’re in a better place with no more suffering, yet there is a hole in my soul without you. Love you, love you, love you.

Suzie

I will see you very soon!! Love you.

“See I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.” —Isaiah 49:16

Stephen

Mom I love you … you were sadly taken from us much too soon.

“…I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” —John 11:25

Kevin

I’ll love you forever

I’ll like you for always

As long as I’m living

My Mommy you’ll be

Love you always. 

Your San Diego roommate, 

LesLee

Mom I know now why you always told me to be strong. You knew one day I would need that strength to bear your loss. I hope you now have everything your kind heart ever desired but was out of reach here on earth. 

All my love, forever 

Jess

Our time together in this life was short but the beautiful memories we created I will cherish forever. I love you my beautiful, sweet mother.

Your baby, 

Jenny