Sandra Lee Werner, 84, was a lifelong resident of Florida and an eight-generation Floridian. She passed away on October 15, 2022, at her home. Sandra enjoyed a wonderful life filled with a rich family history here in Pasco County. She loved everything “Pasco” and encouraged her family to do the same. She graduated from Gulf High School in 1957 with only 22 people in her graduating class. Her sassy side must have shown through back then because she was chosen as the “class clown” of her class. Sandra was also a majorette for Gulf High and performed in the Chasco Fiesta and local football games. She made numerous lifelong friendships that have lasted for decades while at Gulf High School.
Sandra grew up and started her own family here in Pasco County while working as a legal secretary. Sandra was quite active and wanted to help others build on their skills and networking abilities. She was elected as the first charter president for the West Pasco Legal Secretaries in the 1970s. She eventually met Gene Werner from Boyce Built Homes once he relocated here from California and they married in 1970. Sandra’s love of politics and business matched Gene’s passion for the same type of lifestyle. They quickly became engrossed in the Republican Party here in Pasco County. Sandra and Gene held high-level positions and attended the 1976 Republican National Convention as delegates. Together they enjoyed building a life together while helping to build a better community.
Gene and Sandra blended their families together to create a beautiful group of kids. Sandra had three boys (Reed, Paul, Jr., and Jeffrey) and Gene had a boy and a girl (Clark and Addine), and then together they had a little girl (Frances). They always joked that they had, “yours, mine, and ours”. The family always enjoyed family dinners and celebrations as a very unique and blended family. Sandra was always willing to open her doors to welcome anyone that needed a place to spend the holidays. The best memories included lots of food, fun, and family for any occasion with Gene and Sandra at the center of it all. The one thing that mattered most to her was her family and all of the times they could spend together.
Sandra was always known for her strong and intelligent personality that had plenty of sass and a lot of class. In every situation, Sandra wanted the very best and was willing to do whatever was needed to help in any situation. She helped run numerous successful campaigns in federal, state, and local campaigns. Eventually, Sandra herself was elected as one of the first female county commissioners in 1980. She and Sylvia Young will forever be remembered in Pasco County as two of the first women to serve on the county commission. Sandra has numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren that will forever enjoy the path she has made for them. Her wit and determination to always engage in any type of intellectual conversation will be something that we will always remember. Sandra maintained her ability to be sharp-minded and full of the desire to live up until the very end. Everything about her was simply unique and she wouldn’t have had it any other way.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Sandra’s name to the Lighthouse for the Blind due to the fact that Sandra herself had vision issues throughout her life and she eventually became legally blind. Sandra always wanted to support local charities and this one in particular held a very special place in her heart. You can TEXT: WERNER to 41444 or give at www.tinyurl.com/SWerner or mail a check to LVIB 9130Ridge Road, NPR FL 34654.
Dobies Funeral Home
Charles C Blankenship
October 21, 2022, 4:08 am
I was there when Sandra was born in Lake City, FL. We grew up there, Jackson, TN, back to Lake City over to Tallahassee during WWII. In 1943, we moved down to near Carrabelle, FL and lived on Camp Gordon Johnston until 1947 then Carrabelle Beach. In 1948 we lived for a short time in Gallup, NM and later in Grundy, VA. In 1949, Sandra lived in Kingsport, TN until 1956 when she moved to Port Richey, FL. She had lived there and New Port Richey for the past 66 years.
She was a 8th Generation with ancestors dating back to 1762 covering the 1st Spanish Period, English and 2nd Spanish plus Territorial and Statehood in 1845. Her Hope-Clark ancestors founded the town called Hopeville before it was later called Port Richey. Several of her ancestors were County Commissioners, and she too became the first female Co. Commissioner along with her friend, Sylvia Young in 1980. She was a Florida Pioneer too.
Charles G. Edwards
October 22, 2022, 3:48 pm
Sandra was my first legal secretary when I started practicing law with Harvey Delzer. She suggested forming a chapter of the National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS} in Pasco County and the law firm supported the formation of the local chapter (PALS) of which Sandra became the first president. At her installation banquet I remember disappointing the local press reporter (“Flash” Jerocki) who wanted a posed shot with Sandra taking dictation while sitting on my knee. (not approved professional demeanor). Her two young sons, Reed and Paul, would often enjoy the tropical fish aquarium we had in the waiting area. Sandra was a great asset to our practice and a pleasure to work with over many years.
Sandra Cavalier
October 23, 2022, 7:32 pm
I worked for the County Commission during the years when Sandy and Sylvia served. Two great women, who really wanted the best for our county. RIP
Naomi Burney Valverde
October 24, 2022, 9:36 pm
I knew Sandra as a good friend to my late sister-in-law Sheila Alessi Taylor Burney, and also to my late brother, James “Butch” Burney. I was privileged to help her mother and step-father in their elder years, and thereby came to know Sandra myself. I saw her as a wonderfully down-to-earth and loyal person, bravely fighting through various ailments by the sheer strength of her spirit and zest for life. I am greatly saddened by her passing. Our loss is Heaven’s gain.
Charles C Blankenship
October 25, 2022, 7:50 pm
Add Sandra’s siblings in order of birth: Archie Burnside, Charles Blankenship, the late George F. Blankenship, Butch Mallett, Susan Mallett, Victor Mallett and Bobby Mallett.
Garvin and Jennifer Wray
October 25, 2022, 11:48 pm
We have had the privilege of knowing Sandra for 40 years. She will remain in our memories as one of the kindest, most generous ladies we have had the pleasure to know. Our condolences to her family with love.
Lester and Barbara Ann Mallett
October 26, 2022, 2:03 am
Sandra was our niece and friend for over 70 years. A week before her passing she reminisced with me about remembering Lester when she was 7 years old. Her intellectual acumen, quick wit and fearless aggressive demeanor when one of her loved ones or one of her causes needing defending or promoting made her a unique woman and valued friend. Even tho we will miss Sandra, we are thankful now she isn’t burdened with a body that in her later year’s didn’t work as well as her sharp mind continued to.
Love you,
Uncle Lester and Aunt Barbara Ann
Ann Crowder
October 26, 2022, 2:11 am
Ashley, I love how this said your grandmother had a “sassy” side! Now I know where your spunk comes from! Sending you and your family many prayers! ❤️🙏❤️🙏
Ann and Rob
Claudette Hope Vogel
October 26, 2022, 4:18 am
Sandra and I were high school friends for 66 years, through marriages,
Babies, Grandbabies and Great Grandbabies. Many good times filled with love and laughter.
I will miss our long telephone
Conversations and our trips to Sam’s!
I will always treasure our time together, and will love her until we met again on the other shore!
“I pray that flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest, my loyal friend”
Rebekah Rice
October 26, 2022, 8:47 am
What a beautiful life she had and an incredible thumbprint on her community and family. She has left an incredible legacy in her family. My condolences for your loss as heaven gained an angel.
Geraldine Bislick
October 26, 2022, 8:38 pm
We were neighbors when our children were very small. I’ve known Sandy for many years . Although I haven’t seen her lately I will miss her just being here. I’m so sorry for your family and my prayers are with you all. Until we meet again Sandy.
Robert E. Baggett
October 26, 2022, 10:24 pm
I have known, loved, argued with this lovely woman for over 50 years. She is one of the most dedicated people I have ever know. Not afraid to take on any task. My family worked on her campaign. She worked with me in Congressman’s office that scanned most of Central Florida. Correction, she talked to me like I was working for her.
She and Sylvia changed the face of Pasco County politics. True, I was there.
Sandra, I know you have the angels lined up by now so here is good bye until I see you above. Hello to Gene and Francis.
Bobbye E. Milhorn
October 26, 2022, 11:53 pm
Till we meet again Sandy, Prayers ❤️❤️
JOE & LINDA WATKINS
October 27, 2022, 8:31 pm
Friday we will, with heavy hearts, say goodbye to Sandra Werner an awesome lady.
She lived life to the fullest. We will cherish our memories of her free spirit, loyalty to Pasco County and those she loved. We always marveled at her visions of things she wanted to do and the way they were to be done. Sandra was sassy, generous and a wonderful example for our granddaughters. From the day we met, Sandra considered us family.
It has been a privilege and an honor to be part of Sandra’s family.
RIP my friend.
JOE & LINDA WATKINS
October 27, 2022, 8:56 pm
Friday we will, with heavy hearts, say goodbye to Sandra Werner an awesome lady.
She lived life to the fullest. We will cherish our memories of her free spirit, loyalty to Pasco County and those she lived. Sandra was sassy, generous and a wonderful example for our granddaughters. From the day we met, Sandra considered us family.
It has been a privilege and an honor to be part of The family.
RIP dear friend.
JOE & LINDA WATKINS
October 27, 2022, 9:00 pm
Friday we will, with heavy hearts, say goodbye to Sandra Werner an awesome lady.
She lived life to the fullest. We will cherish our memories of her free spirit, loyalty to Pasco County and those she lived. Sandra was sassy, generous and a wonderful example for our granddaughters.
It has been a privilege and an honor to be part of The family.
RIP dear friend.
JOE & LINDA WATKINS
October 27, 2022, 9:03 pm
Friday we will, with heavy hearts, say goodbye to Sandra an awesome lady.
She lived life to the fullest. We will cherish our memories of her free spirit, loyalty to Pasco County and those she lived. She was sassy, generous and a wonderful example for our granddaughters.
It has been a privilege and an honor to be part of the family.
RIP dear friend.
JOE & LINDA WATKINS
October 27, 2022, 9:11 pm
Friday we will, with heavy hearts, say goodbye to Sandra an awesome lady. She lived life to the fullest. We will cherish our memories of her and the impact she has made on our granddaughters. She was a wonderful example for them.
It has been a privilege and an honor to be part of the family.
RIP dear friend.
Joe and Linda Watkins
October 27, 2022, 9:12 pm
Friday we will, with heavy hearts, say goodbye to Sandra an awesome lady. She lived life to the fullest. We will cherish our memories of her and the impact she has made on our granddaughters. She was a wonderful example for them.
It has been a privilege and an honor to be part of the family.
RIP dear friend.
Elizabeth Jamieson
October 28, 2022, 5:06 am
It will be a sad day as we say goodbye to a dear friend of many years. I will never forget our skiing trips together with our family to Colorado. She was a great shopping buddy. We shared so many good times. She loved her family and to share stories about them. She will remain in my heart forever. May she rest in peace. Fly high with the angels Sandra ❤️
Elizabeth Blankenship
October 28, 2022, 6:35 pm
I tried to find the words to post. Everyone has said great things. I’m going to share…..that Aunt Sandra was special to my heart. I will miss her. She loved my Dad. I know they are Angels whatching over us. I am thankful for the time I spent with her before I moved to Tennessee. My prayers are with her family and friends. Til we see you again. Much love, Elizabeth (Lizzy)