Our loving wife, mother, nana, sister and dear friend, Sandra Eileen Fossat, 78, left this life April 1, 2024, after living life to the fullest.
Sandra was born August 30, 1945 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada to John Daniel Petrie and Mary Adelaide Craig. Married the love of her life, Ralph Victor Fossat, on December 5, 1964 in Elko, Nevada. Sandra lost him on January 24, 2019 and has missed him deeply everyday since. They had three children, Vikki, Kelly and Victor; six grandchildren, Kamren, Courtney, Kelcy, Michaela, Andrew John, and Melissa; five great-grandchildren, Braxten, Easton, Dax, Presley and Hudsen.
Sandra and Ralph opened and operated Fossat’s Drive-In in Helper for 19 years. They loved their girls and often gave them advice, support, and were avid basketball spectators. She took great pride in cooking for her regulars and spent many days socializing with friends and coworkers. The Drive-In was a great source of pride and accomplishment for Mom and Dad.
Mom was the BEST cook at home and she cherished baking all of our favorite cookies at Christmas time. She also loved to bake for Dad, Vic and the rest of the family.
Nana loved her grandchildren; spending time with them on holidays was her favorite, and she made everyone feel welcome and loved. When one holiday was over, she was already planning the next get together.
Mom, you were the best mother to me, Kelly, and Vic and we couldn’t have chosen better. You loved us unconditionally your whole life.
You have been the best sister to your brother John, even when you called him a “little bastard” at age 60 something. The loss of your parents never left you, and you cherished your time reminiscing about life with them, camping, and playing marbles.
You will be remembered for bunko, your casino trips with your favorite steakhouse, going on trips with Dad, Elvis Presley, cheeso’s, Pepsi, honey cookies, and your homemade spaghetti and polenta. Breakfast with Kamren, salon days with Courtney, basketball games with Kelcy, games with Dax and Michaela, and dinners with AJ and Missy. We are so happy that you are reunited with Kelly, Dad and your parents. Thank you mom for everything.
Sandra is survived by her children, Vikki (Jimmy) Ori, Victor Fossat; son-in-law, Kenji Otani; grandchildren, Kamren Nielsen, Courtney (Dusten) Jones, Kelcy Otani, Michaela (David) Seals, AJ (Chalet) Barnett and Melissa Fossat (Robby Matkin); great-grandchildren, Braxten Birch, Easton Jones, Dax Seals, Presley Jones and Hudsen Barnett; brother, John (Debbie) Petrie; sister-in-law, Darlene Lowe; special friends, Jama Grundy, Pamela Kirkwood, Lee Saccomanno, Markay Perrero, John Gianini, Tonya Gianini, Jackie Oman, and Kathy Perry.
Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, John and Adelaide Petrie; step-mother, Norma Petrie, husband, Ralph Fossat, sister-in-law, Ellene Verde; brothers-in-law, Karl Lowe and Dan Verde; daughter, Kelly Otani; daughter-in-law, Dana Fossat; and great-grandchild, Baby Seals.
Our family is thankful for the loving care she received at Castleview Hospital, Parkdale Nursing Home, Gagon Family Medicine and the amazing nurses with CNS.
Graveside service, Thursday, April 4, 2024, 2:30 p.m., at the Mt. View Cemetery in Helper. The family welcomes friends to meet them directly at the cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Sandra online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net