Sandra L. Behrendt, 66, passed away at Mon Valley Hospital, on January 4, 2015.  Sandra was the daughter of Francis J. and Doris Todd Behrendt, who predeceased her.  

Sandy was born on July 9, 1948 at Charleroi-Monessen Hospital, in North Charleroi.  She was also predeceased by her grandparents, William and Ena Bayens Behrendt and Frank and Sue Dubinsky Todd.  She was proud to be and liked to brag that she was the first born granddaughter on either side of the family.  She was a resident of Charleroi her entire life.  

Survivors include two sisters.  The first is Susan Behrendt, of Charleroi.  Sandy and Susie lived together since Susie was born, and Sandy knew how blessed she was to have such a loving, fun, and devoted sister.  Susie always gave selflessly regardless of the situation.  The last of the "Behrendt Girls" is Sallie Behrendt Dornan, and her husband Robert, who reside is Fredericksburg, VA.  In 1980, Sallie and Bob had their only child, Sarah.  Sarah was the joy of Granny, Pappie, and Aunties' lives.  She was precious and loving as a child, and in maturity, blossomed into an incredible wife and mother.  Sarah remains a true gift from God.  Sarah is married to Chuck Downing and they reside in Fredericksburg, VA, with their two beautiful daughters, Grace and Sophie Morgan.  those two sweethearts brought more joy than they will ever know.  Sandra is also survived by her uncle and aunt, Clifford L. and Jean Behrendt, of Hershey; her aunt, Trudy Behrendt Williamson; numerous cousins and their children; and her "Forever Friends".  Not many people can say they were loved by so many, and Sandy always thanked God for her blessings.  She was honored to be godmother to her niece, Sarah, Nick Roberts, and Valerie Paydo Shaw.  

Sandy graduated from SS Cyril and Methodius School after the completion of 8th grade, Charleroi High School with the class of 1966, and Grace Martin School in Pittsburgh with an associate degree in business.  

Sandy began her career in insurance in June 1968.  She worked at the old Colonial Life Insurance that later became known as Chubb Life America.  She worked there for 19 and one half years until Chubb closed the CSD division in December of 1987.  She was hired by Henderson Brothers and became a licensed property and casualty agent with them for 12 and one half years, primarily selling and servicing home and auto insurance.  When the company closed the Charleroi office she travelled to Pittsburgh for 4 months.  She was not a "city" girl and did not like the long commute.  She left Henderson Brothers to accept a similar position with the George H. Hott Agency, then owned by Marthinson & Salvitti, and was employed by them for approximately 9 and one half years until the agency was sold and she was forced into retirement.  She thought the world of her clients and co-workers, many of them becoming dear friends.  

Sandra enjoyed watching sports.  She also loved being outdoors.  She couldn't wait to go swimming, camping, or just enjoy nature.  To her, sitting around a campfire was such a pleasure.  She marveled at the beauty of a waterfall springing from a hillside, a creek bubbling by, or the peacefulness of a lake.  nothing was better than stories shared about the "good old days."  

Her other passion beyond family, friends, and nature was Doo-Wop music.  She loved to dance or to simply "blast" her music either at home or in the car.  Sandra stressed she wanted to thank everyone who prayed for her during her illness, visited, or called.  Everyone was so good to her.  She especially wanted to thank Father Jerry Mikonis, the pastor of Mary, Mother of the Church, who was so comforting.  He always made her laugh, yet spiritually gave her peace.  Also, on her list of those who deserve special thanks are Dr. Fredric V. Price of West Penn Hospital, Dr. Rajesh Shah, Dr. Dawson Lim, Dr. Cervon, and all the physicians, nurses, and staff who cared for her at Mon Valley Hospital and West Penn Hospital.  

In honoring the request of the deceased, there will be no public viewing.  A private memorial mass will be held at the convenience of the family at Mary, Mother of the Church in Charleroi.  Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery immediately after the mass.  The CARL J. SPALLINO FUNERAL HOME, Charleroi, Joseph A. Lopez, funeral director, is handling the arrangements.