Sandra Lee (McNeal) McInnis

Munising / Newberry

Sandra Lee McInnis, age 78, of Munising and formerly of Newberry, died Friday, July 8, 2022 surrounded by her loving family.  On October 11, 1943 she was born the youngest of seven children to Tom and Icie (Rice) McNeal and was loving known as “Babe” to her siblings.  Sandy was raised in Newberry and graduated from Newberry High School in 1962.

In 1963, she married the love of her life, Thomas McInnis. They moved to Antigo Air Force Station in Antigo, WI, before settling in lower Michigan to start a family. They returned to the UP in the mid-1970s to raise their two daughters, settling in McMillan, MI.

Sandy was an extraordinary woman who touched the lives of everyone she met. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, always putting her family first. She was also a pillar of her small community, lending a helping hand to those in need.  For many years, she worked as a bartender at the Cobblestone and the Shanty Bar. Many people, both near and far, considered her a friend. Every Thanksgiving you could find her at the local town hall cooking dinners with family and friends, often inviting those who were alone or less fortunate.

One of her favorite things was spending time with and spoiling her three granddaughters. She enjoyed going for rides, socializing with family, and participating in neighborhood festivities. She was a Trivial Pursuit and Mario Kart champion, and she enjoyed fishing and often played home Bingo with her grandchildren. You could often find her on her favorite spot on the lake, watching the freighters with her family and enjoying her grandkid's milestones.

She was a favorite aunt to many nieces and nephews and treated them as her own. All will miss her sweet laugh, kind smile, and loving hugs.

Sandy is survived by her loving husband Tom; two daughters, Kerry (Jim) Lamoreaux of Munising and Amy McInnis (Tom Fisher) of North Carolina; three grandchildren, Korinne Lamoreaux (Andrew Wilson), and Taryn (Peter) Peterson, and Skylar Fisher; four great-grandchildren, Olliana Peterson, Everleigh Wilson, Izak Peterson, and Wilder Wilson; Suzie, her niece/sister/best friend of many years. She was preceded in death by her parents Tom and Icie.

The family tradition of gathering over the Thanksgiving holiday will continue with the McInnis family.  On Friday, November 25, 2022 Sandy’s family will gather to honor her at the Columbus Township Hall in McMillan from 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.   Food will be available from 1:00 p.m until 3:00 p.m.   All are welcome to come and remember Sandy.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sandy's name may be made to North Woods Hospice or Commission on Aging.