Sandra Lee McDonald, 57

After a brave and graceful battle with cancer, Sandra Lee McDonald died on May 22, 2015, in Whitefish, at the age of 57, surrounded by her loved ones.

Sandra arrived on our planet on Sept. 5, 1957, in Seattle, to her biological father, Robert McDonald, and mother, Susan Shane Edminster. She was raised by her mother and stepfather, Howard “Ed” Edminster, amidst a large, loving, blended family with two sisters and three brothers. She was always known for her smile, zest for life, and love of horses.

Sandra married her first husband, and father of her children, Wesley Berry, on Oct. 17, 1976. They resided in Woodinville, Washington, until their divorce in 1987. It was then that Sandra met and fell in love with Tom White. In 1989, Sandra and Tom relocated to beautiful Whitefish, where they could raise their family amongst the great outdoors. They were married on Feb. 17, 1990, and spent many happy years golfing, boating and camping. Though they eventually divorced, they remained close friends until her last days. Sandra and Andy Hudak began her last “love dance” when they began dating in June of 2007. They lived together for the last several years, and she passed with him at her side at the moment of her escape from her “shell,” as she called her body near her end.

Sandra worked in the real estate appraisal business for most of her career, and was known as a hardworking professional with a keen eye for detail. She loved connecting with her customers and hearing their dreams, grief, or whatever they chose to share.

Her love for photography allowed her to exercise her keen eye for all things beautiful, and she had a knack for capturing the essence of the moment.  

Many will also remember Sandra for her political awareness and activism, as she was an outspoken advocate for the environment, responsible growth and social justice. She did a great deal to advance affordable housing in Whitefish, serving on the Whitefish Housing Authority board for several years. In the past, she was a board member of the Violence Free Crisis Line, and most recently, she began to volunteer at the Humane Society. In her spare time, Sandra could almost always be found enjoying music, theater and the other cultural activities that Whitefish had to offer.

Sandra also cherished her many wonderful weekends at Symes Hot Springs in Hot Springs. She appreciated the simple, small town vibe — shopping for funky antiques, relaxing in the springs and laughing and talking late into the night with her friends.  

She leaves behind her daughters, Michelle and Kate Berry; her treasured grandchildren, Alex Wright, Morgan Berry-Shaffer and Theo Kanter; her parents, Howard and Susan Edminster; siblings, Steve and Brian McDonald; stepsiblings, Dean Edminster, Cindy Doop and Debbie Smith; loving partner, Andy Hudak; former husband, Tom White; sons-in-law, Noah Shaffer and Eric Kanter; several cousins, nieces and nephews; and countless loving friends.

Sandra requested to be cremated. Her ashes will be scattered in Glacier National Park, Hot Springs and near Hungry Horse Reservoir — places where she loved to spend time with friends and family.

The family would especially like to thank all of Sandra’s close friends, and the loving and empathetic staff of North Valley Hospital for their caring, attentive treatment.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to any of the following organizations: Whitefish Housing Authority, Abbie Shelter/Violence Free Crisis Line, Humane Society, or the North Valley Hospital Foundation.

 A celebration of Sandra’s life will be held July 25 at the Stillwater Landing.