Sandra L. Shorts, 60, a resident of Shavertown, and formerly of Springfield, Virginia, passed into eternal life suddenly on Tuesday evening, April 04, 2017, 16 years to the day of her mother’s passing.

Born on April 22, 1956, in Pottsville, Sandra was one of three daughters born to the late Theodore L. Shorts and Dolores L. (Zukosky) Shorts.

Raised in Swoyersville, Sandra was a graduate of Wyoming Valley West High School, Class of 1974. Following high school, Sandra went on to attend Mansfield University where, in 1978, she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education.

Sandra began her career as an educator at Teeny Weeny Preschool, Oxon Hill, Maryland, where she was a preschool teacher. She then went on to work at the Fairfax Academy of Early Learning, Arlington, Virginia, serving as its Assistant Director, and later as its Director.

In 1986, Sandra went on a different career path and became employed by NASA in Washington D.C. She then went on to work for the Department of Justice in Washington D.C., and finally worked as a TSP Web Designer for the Office of Communications at the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board in Washington D.C., from where she retired.

Following her retirement in 2006, Sandra returned to the local area, settling in Shavertown. Here, she enjoyed rekindling her friendships with her high school friends, college friends, and co-workers, all of whom she held dear to her heart. She was blessed to go on many trips with her friends, and she was happy to take part in the planning her high school class reunions.

Not only did she rekindle past friendships upon her return to the local area, but she also forged many new friendships here. She loved meeting families with children because she always held a special place in her heart for children. She thought of children as butterflies and loved watching them spread their “wings” to become the wonderful individuals God intended them to be!

A faithful Catholic, Sandra was a member of Saint Therese Roman Catholic Church, Shavertown. In her younger years, she was a member of the former Saint Mary of Czestochowa Church, Swoyersville, where she was active in the church’s Blessed Virgin Mary Sodality. Also in her younger years, she was an active member of the Girl Scouts.  

Throughout her life, Sandra had a great love for animals, especially Cocker Spaniels. While residing in Virginia, she actively volunteered with the Oldies but Goodies Cocker Rescue in Arlington, Virginia, and she personally rescued many older Cocker Spaniels. The newest addition to her family was last year when she adopted her first Cocker Spaniel puppy, Saylor, who instantly became her pride and joy.

Sandra was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the American Legion, Andrew Lawrence Post 644, Swoyersville.

Those who know Sandra know her for her talent in creating crafts! Sandra was able to dream up and create just about anything, and during the holidays, she would spend countless hours making lovely crafts for her family, friends, and special events.

Family and friends were the center of Sandra’s life and she treasured every moment she shared with her loved ones. Although her presence will be deeply missed, her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all those who knew and loved her.

Sandra is survived by her loving sisters, Bonnie D. Stiles and her husband, William B. Stiles Sr., Springfield, Virginia; and Brenda N. Shorts Bea and her husband, Samuel Bea Sr., Springfield, Virginia; her nephews, William B. Stiles Jr., Ocean City, Maryland; and Bradley W. Stiles and his wife, Stephanie, Weirton, Virginia; her niece, Bronwyn D. Demers and her husband, Derick, Woodbridge, Virginia; her great-nephews, Marcus Stiles, Alex Stiles and Odhrán Demers; her great-niece, Annabelle Stiles; her aunt, Betty Zukosky, Swoyersville; as well as her many cousins and dear friends.

Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral which will be conducted on Wednesday, April 12, 2017, at 9:15 AM from the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 AM in Saint Therese Church, 64 Davis Street, Shavertown, with the Reverend James J. Paisley, her Pastor, officiating.

Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow in Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, Swoyersville.

Family and Friends are invited to call on Tuesday, April 11, 2017, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, at the funeral home.

For additional information or to send Sandra’s family an online message of condolence, you may visit the funeral home website www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com.