Sandra McGregor

Sandra McGregor, born in Springfield, Ohio, on June 30, 1944, to Jeannette Elizabeth Alexander and David Ross McGregor, passed away peacefully with hospice care on August 28, 2024, in Durango, Colorado. Sandy was a vibrant soul and a fabulous storyteller, whose smile lit up every room she entered. She was always ready for an adventure and taught her children to embrace life fully, often saying, "create new experiences" and "go to the parties." She often quoted Lee Ann Womack: "When you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance." She will be remembered by friends, family, and grandchildren for her smile, laughter, and light. Her kindness and bravery defined her, leaving a legacy that inspires many. 

A proud graduate of Springfield North High School's 2 graduating class of 1962, Sandy enjoyed cheerleading and contributing to the yearbook staff. Sandy began her collegiate journey at Northwestern University, where she pledged Pi Beta Phi and later transferred to The Ohio State University, where she graduated in 1966 with a Bachelor's degree in Education. She began her career as an elementary school teacher in Toledo, Ohio, and later moved back to Springfield, where she dedicated years to educating third graders at Donnelsville Elementary School, leaving a legacy of learning and lifelong friendships. 

Sandy was passionate about reading, playing bridge, swimming, singing in church and community choirs, and spending time at the beach. She loved painting, working with stained glass, playing tennis and golf, gardening, and she especially loved mowing the lawn. Sandy also volunteered for numerous causes, including the Young Woman's Mission, Meals on Wheels, and the Springfield Soup Kitchen. As a docent at Frank Lloyd Wright's Westcott House, she delighted visitors with stories from her childhood playing hide-and-seek with the Westcott children in the historic home. 

Sandy cherished her many friendships, and her friends were an essential part of her life's joy and adventures. She was blessed to share laughter, stories, and love with so many friends. 

Sandy is survived by her daughter, Anne McGregor Zalbowitz (Daniel), and grandchildren Jyles Alexander Zalbowitz and Rylan Harper Zalbowitz of Durango, Colorado; her son, David William Winks, former daughter-in-law Laura Winks, and grandchildren Chelsea Anne Winks, Caitlin Elizabeth Winks, and Jonathan Wilder Winks of Houston, Texas; her sister, Mary McGregor Wiggins; niece Cathryn Wiggins Thomas (Jay Thomas), and her great-nephews Daniel, Matthew, and Andrew Thomas. 

A memorial service to celebrate Sandy's life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Ohio. Family and friends are invited to join Sandy's family for a visitation with coffee, tea, and confections before the service at 9:30 am. 

In honor of Sandy's life-long love of reading, charitable donations can be made to Friends of the Durango Public Library by mailing a check to 1900 E. 3rd Ave., Durango, CO 81301, or by emailing foldurango@gmail.com.