MarieElena 'Lena' Sandlin, 73

MarieElena “Lena” Sandlin, 73, died Friday, July 31, 2015, after a long illness. 

She leaves behind her husband of 47 years, James Sandlin; her children, Maria and David Bullough, Robert and Eileen Sandlin, John and Julie Sandlin, and Julie Lewin; her grandchildren, Jeremy, Robert, Meaghan, Jamie, Caitlyn, Aidan and Alice; and her great-grandchildren, Toni, Jade and Brook.

 Born Oct.11, 1941, in Providence, Rhode Island, MarieElena was the daughter of Eileen Platis Barnes. She had two brothers. They had a lively childhood in Los Angeles, filled with endless adventures and high jinks.

 On May 12, 1968, she married her husband Jim. Together they moved to Dana Point, and later Anaheim, California, where they raised their four children with an abundance of love and support. 

 In 1993, Lena moved with her family to Kalispell. It was her paradise. She loved the mountains, trees and fresh air. She enjoyed sitting in her living room chair watching the deer from her window. She found a home at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church and became an active parishioner, making many good friends. 

 Lena was always “home” to those who knew her. She opened her doors and her heart to those who needed a soft place to land. Her home was filled with laughter, good food, open conversations and the occasional food fight. Her greatest love always remained her children and grandchildren — those genetically hers and those lovingly “adopted into her heart.” She held a special spot in her heart for her dear neighbors, the Shostaks, who showered her with love over the last few years. 

 A rosary will be prayed for her at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church. Memorial Mass will be held at 12:10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, at St. Matthew’s, followed by interment at Glacier Memorial Gardens and then a luncheon also at St. Matthew’s.

To send a note of condolence to the family, please visit www.buffalohillfh.com. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.