Sandra Ellen Gibbons

Sandra E. Gibbons, age, 47, of Christmas, died early Friday evening, April 16, 2021 at UPHS Marquette from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.  She was born on February 27, 1974 in Detroit, Michigan to Robert and Mary (Goudreau) Gibbons.  Sandy was raised in the Central Upper Peninsula and graduated from Gwinn High School in 1992.  She had a passion for the outdoors and worked in the tourism industry in Skagway, Alaska and in Oklahoma.  Sandra returned to the U.P. and earned her Associates Degree from Ferris State University and was presently attending Northern Michigan University at the time of her death.  Sandy’s other employment included working at the casinos in Christmas, Manistique, and Big Rapids, and she also drove for ALTRAN.  Sandra was a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.  She enjoyed family and treasured childhood memories of camping,  Sandy especially adored spending time with her nieces who made her feel like the luckiest aunt around.  She enjoyed photography, riding her motorcycles, hunting, fishing (especially with Kyley), and walking her dogs.  Sandy was a successful friend of Bill W. for over 30 years.  In keeping with Sandra’s loving and generous spirit, the decision was made to donate life through her organ and tissue donation.

She is survived by her parents – Bob and Mary Gibbons; her sister – Merry Dawn Gibbons; nieces – Gabby, Montanna, and Kyley; uncles and aunts – Patrick Gibbons, Michael Gibbons, Debbie (Bob) Alders, Marlene (Chum) Malnar, Tony Goudreau, and Kim (Tom) Roman; and numerous cousins.  Sandy was preceded in death by her grandparents – Beth and Mike Gibbons and Joe and Dorothy Goudreau; aunt – Sandra Gibbons; and uncles – Tom Gibbons and Joe Goudreau.

A Native American Ritual and graveside service will be held at the Serenity Pines Cemetery in AuTrain on Sunday, July 18, 2021 at 1:00 p.m.  A fellowship gathering will take place at the AuTrain Township Hall following the service at the cemetery.