June 27, 1946 – August 26, 2021
Saundra Jean (Haltom) McMahon was born on June 27, 1946, the youngest of six children, to Basil and Wanda (Tumey) Haltom, Indianapolis. Sandy graduated from Arsenal Technical High School in 1964.
Sandy met the love of her life, Danny, in high school and married in 1965. Danny was the light of her life, partner in crime, and the two were madly in love, always. They embodied “and the two shall become one” and trusted Jesus with every step of their lives together as friends, parents, lovers, and soul mates.
No one ever loved more than Sandy. She never met a baby that didn’t need a kiss and cuddle or a stressed-out Mom that she couldn’t offer a few kind words or respite to in her life … in a restaurant, at rest areas, in church, on a walk, and anywhere in between. She never met a person that didn’t need to know the love of Jesus with a smile or a candy bar treat, or even a ride in the rain. She knew no bounds to giving the love she had been so freely given.
Sandy had many jobs in her time on earth and loved serving others in any way she could. She worked as a Nursing Aide in Community East Hospital until Matthew passed in 1974. Since no one could clean like Sandy McMahon, she started her own business, McMahon’s Cleaning Service, and gave the gift of dust free blinds, waxed showers, and sparkling toilets to everyone. When Paige was born in 1995, she became the “bestest Nana ever” and watched Paige so Danyele could continue to work at her job four days a week away from home. It was one of her highest callings in life … and one that she took very seriously.
One of her greatest roles in life was mother, but Nana was who she became and embraced. She loved her kids, Danyele, Matthew, and Jeremy, with a love that had no limits and a passion that would allow her to do anything for them. She was the best Band Mom or Wrestling Mom any kid could ask for. She cheered loudest and praised boldly, and everyone knew who Sandy’s kids were and what great things they accomplished, until her last breath.
Becoming a Nana was her highest honor. She took the role very seriously to ensure her granddaughters knew that Jesus loved them, and He was the sole reason for her joy. She would always be proud no matter what the outcome of anything, and cheered with joy, even if it was for the wrong team sometimes. Her granddaughters would eventually say she was the “meanest Nana in town” and she would proclaim loudly that there was a “new sheriff in town” when things needed to be handled. Discipline was real and needed, and she did what was needed, laughed through it, and always ended with a kiss, a hug, and a reassurance that love conquered all things.
Nana loved making lasagna for everyone (too much, always), taking her grandkids out to lunch and shopping, cuddling all her “Grand dogs,” strolling on a walk hand-in-hand with Danny, and making everyone smile. She always had great hair, loved shopping and antiques, had lots of opinions, and never missed a chance with anyone to tell them how much she “loved and appreciated them.” She never wanted anyone to feel less, or not know that they were special in every way. She was a real light in this world. She loved being part of the Red Hat Society, serving on the board at Pioneer Village as the social coordinator, or serving meals at church for anyone who needed some extra love. She loved helping with Special Olympics, kids and people with exceptional needs, and all things serving kids. She was a past member of Los Ladies Oriental Shrine and was a Shrine Lady.
Sandy loved with all she had. She never wasted an ounce of love and she fought hard for what she believed in: Her faith, her husband, her kids and grandkids, and kindness.
Sandy is forever with Jesus today, sitting at His feet and seeing her son, Matthew, for the first time in 47 years, rejoicing in the fullness of her body and being with her Savior.
Sandy is survived by her husband of 56 years, Danny; children, Danyele Easterhaus (Ryan) and Jeremy McMahon; and grandchildren, Paige Cook (Aaron), Brooke Easterhaus, Jada Easterhaus, Shelby McMahon, and Sofia Easterhaus.
In addition to her parents, Sandy was preceded in death by her son, Matthew Daniel, in 1974.
Visitation will be held at North Circle Church, 20101 Grassy Branch Road, Westfield, on August 31 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with service beginning at 1 p.m. with Pastor Jon Lowes officiating.
A graveside service and burial will follow at 3:30 p.m. in Washington Park East Cemetery, Indianapolis.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Student Impact of Westfield, P.O. Box 526, Westfield, IN 46074, in honor of Sandy McMahon. Online donations can be made to therockwestfield.org. Envelopes will be available at the church.
Bussell Family Funerals is privileged to assist the family with arrangements.
Condolences: bussellfamilyfunerals.com
My wife and I met Sandy at Perkinsville Community Church some years ago. I don’t think she ever knew a stranger! Vivacious and full of energy, she spoke up to all who would give her an ear. Apart from a hello, she always found a way to make certain Jesus was made known to all to whom she spoke. Her veracity of spirit will be missed, here. In heaven, I can just picture her praising Jesus with every person there, rejoicing in His Name!