Sandra Sue Strosnider Raucci

March 13, 1938 - January 25, 2024

Our beloved wife, mom, grandma, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend moved on to the eternal life she always knew was promised. Sandra Sue Strosnider Raucci a.k.a. Strawberry Jane, Suzabelle, Grace and “Our Sanny,” left us on January 25, 2025 to join Jesus and so many beloved, family, friends and pets that went on before her. Our hearts are broken but also grateful for all she has been to us and so many.

 
Sandy was born on March 13, 1938 in Santa Fe, New Mexico, to Mary Ellen (Meyer) and James Strosnider. She was the second of four siblings. Little sister to Lloyd and big sister to Mike and Kathy. At age four, her family moved to Great Falls, Montana where her father managed the USO during WWII. Sandy talked of the happy days spent there and all the wonderful people who were part of her youth. She attended St Gerard’s and Great Falls Central Catholic High School. She was a cheerleader and co-president of her class. Her faith, family and the community gave her the confidence to take on the opportunities and challenges that life presented.
Upon graduation, Sandy went east to New York and attended the College of New Rochelle. She talked of riding the train back and forth from school for three days. She paid her tuition by working in the college cafeteria and was class president her sophomore year. She left college at the end of her sophomore year and accompanied her parents and brother and sister to Nigeria where her dad worked with Catholic Relief Services (CRS). While there, she worked as a secretary for a construction company.
Sandy returned to Montana in 1959 and worked for Dr. Frank Petkevich and Dr. Bob Casey. In February 1960, she met Lieutenant Francis (Hank) Raucci who was serving at Malmstrom AFB. On 10/21/1962, they were married at Holy Family Parish and a 62 year love story started.
Sandy and Hank then headed to Washington D.C. where they both worked hard while Hank completed Law School at Georgetown University. Sandy was committed to supporting Hank as he worked to become an attorney. Here they welcomed their first two children, Mary Elizabeth (Betsy) and Mark Francis.
In 1965, they returned to Montana and during the next 11 years, welcomed their third child Rebecca Sue, made wonderful friends and created lasting memories with family. Sandy returned to school at the College of Great Falls and completed her Bachelor of Social Work degree. She was involved in St Joseph’s parish, the Junior League, Fortnightly and F.I.S.H.
In 1976, she moved with Hank to his native Philadelphia and during their five years there, completed her Master of Family and Marriage Counseling at Villanova and worked in special events at Rosemont College. She loved her husband’s family as her own. Go Eagles!
In 1981, they returned to her beloved Montana. They reconnected with friends and spent many happy days with immediate and extended family. Sandy worked in development for The College of Great Falls along side the Sisters of Providence who were such a part of her faith formation. Hank’s job transfer took them to Yorba Linda, California and they spent the next three years enjoying the Southern California sunshine.
In 1989, a final transfer brought them to Salt Lake City. They spent the next 35 years living on a mountainside, active in their parish and being quiet and unwavering support for kids and grandkids. They loved to hike, ski and travel until they weren’t able to do that anymore. Their summers in Bigfork, Montana on Flathead Lake were a highlight of every year and they enjoyed days on the lake with family and friends. Sandy was the first to jump in to the lake, as recently as four summers ago.
In her final years, Sandy talked about returning to her beloved Montana and we are so grateful that in August 2023, she was able to spend a few days touring the “Electric City” that was always such a part of who she was.
Sandy was love and kindness. She had a deep, quiet faith. She didn’t judge and felt a connection to those who felt lost or broken.She prayed everyday for her family, friends and for all those she didn’t personally know, but who she felt might need a silent supporter.
Our sweet Sandy is survived by her forever boyfriend and loving husband, Hank. Her daughters Betsy (Steve) and Becky (John). Her grandchildren- Amanda, Stephen Jr., Annabelle and Max; and, great-grandson Carbon. Her sister-in-law Judy (Lloyd) Strosnider, brother Mike (Jacklyn) Strosnider, sister Kathryn (Tim) Orton and many nieces and nephews. She loved you all so much. We thank Ashley Confalonieri and her Senior Helper Caregivers who are kindness in action, the wonderful staff at Inspiration Home Hospice (Jolene and Haley) who are mercy in action and many family and friends who are faith in action.
Into the Heaven she always knew waited, we know she will see the Face of God, and happily reunite with her mom and dad, son Mark, brother Lloyd and wonderful friends and all those she touched with her kindness and all those who did the same for her.
In her memory, call that person you have meant to call; do a kindness without anyone knowing; say your prayers; love your people; and always, always have dessert.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St Vincent De Paul School 1385 E Spring Lane, Salt Lake City. A viewing will be held one hour prior.
Some Sandy sayings we wanted to share:
~ Happiness is like a butterfly The more you chase it, the more it eludes you. But be still and you will find that it will come quietly and sit on your shoulder.
~ Hand it over to God.
~ We never cheat, we always play fair, and we never give up.
~ A thoroughbred runs its own race.
~ If you miss the ball, don’t give up, the next one is coming across the net.
~ Oh, I’m not that hungry, I’ll just have a bite of yours.

In Loving Memory

Sanny, we love you and we will miss you until we see you again. Thank you for your love, making us laugh, looking out for us, and keeping us always in your prayers.

Amanda Dunn

nan, nan

My thoughts and prayers go to your family. No kinder loving people can be found than the Raucci's. Way back in 97-98 they opened up their beautiful home on the hillside to my parents who at the time were going through medical treatments at the University hospital for my Moms cancer. Their kindness and compassion was always on display. You will never know how much that meant to my family. Once again my condolences to yours for losing such a wonderful wife mother and grandmother. The Lord has another special angel 

Mike Vance

Phoenix, Az

Hank and Family- So sorry to hear of Sandra's passing.  She was among the kindest and most caring people we know.  Our best to all of you. We know you will miss her. Bill and Linda Walsh 

Bill and Linda Walsh

Green valley, AZ

My deepest condolences on the passing of Sandra, although I didn't get a chance to meet her, I can tell by her warm smiles that she was as wonderful and fun as her daughter, my new soon to be sister-in-law Becca and her great kids that I'm so excited to have as a new part of my family.  My heart goes out to the whole family and I'm so glad her long life will be celebrated as she sounds like a fantastic and loving woman, mother & wife. 

Nicole Bellabona

York, ME

So sorry to hear of a dear old friend passing, always gracious and loving in every thing she did.  May she rest in peace.

Bill & Nancy Ramsey

Great Falls. Mt, MT

So sorry to hear of a dear old friend passing, always gracious and loving in every thing she did.  May she rest in peace.

Bill & Nancy Ramsey

Great Falls. Mt, MT

The memories of my friendship with Sandy keep flooding in.  I, along with all of her family and friends, feel a profound loss at her death.  She was my first friend in Great Falls.  I'm thinking of babies, bridge, Grandma Rice, dinner parties, taking classes at the Y, running and skiing together, and, yes, lots of desserts. And so much more.  I would love to attend Sandy's memorial service, but am currently in Washington DC with daughter, Lorna.  I will be with you in spirit.  God be with you all!

Char Neill

Helena, MT

Dear cousin Hank and family:   Sandra was such a beautiful person inside and out.  I'm confident she is being embraced in Heaven. My deepest condolences for your loss. Anne Elliott Media, PA

Anne Elliott

Media, PA

Dear Hank and family, to say sorry seems weak, your love for Sandy was so apparent, your best girlfriend. I know you will miss her, as will anyone who knew her.  Sweet, gracious, kind lady to all, and so much fun. Rest in peace with Jesus.   All our love,  Veronica & Michael Wasilewski

Veronica Gillan Wasilewski

Broomall, PA

We will miss Sandy's sweet smile and cute laughter.  We always enjoyed her company and yours, Hank.  We have many great memories, including stopping off in Big Fork to visit you. Condolences to all of the family.  

Nancy and Erv Trapa

Salt Lake City, UT

Hank, Linda and I are so sorry to hear about Sandra's passing. Our thoughts are with you and your family.   Vic

Victor and Linda Lund

Park Coty, UT

Prayers and thoughts are with you Hank  and your family during this difficult time. Sandra will be dearly missed. I will miss her beautiful smile and her beautiful laugh.. She brought The Sun Shine  into a room, so very kind hearted. Hank  and Family thank you for allowing usu caregivers to care for her   Many Blessings, Gloria Castruita/Caregiver

Gloria / Caregiver

Slc, Ut

Sorry to hear about the passing of my former GFCentral classmate.  May Sandy RIP.

Jeanne Van Tighem Liebelt

Fort Peck, MT

This is probably the strangest condolence you will receive. I came across this obituary while looking to see if one for a friend had been posted.  The name sounded vaguely familiar and the photo drew me in. Oh my, I did not know this beautiful lady but how I wish I had. I felt love and a happiness of my heart and spirit that I have needed in recent months.  May eternal rest grant unto her oh Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace and may her family and friends feel the blanket of her love that surrounds them and keeps them warm. God bless  

Jane Morrison

Salt Lake city, Ut

In Loving Memory

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