In loving memory of

Sandra Rafchiek
May 30, 1945 - February 4, 2019

Sandi Rafchiek said she'd lived a full life, and while sad to leave all of us, was at peace when she died of cancer, on Feb. 4. Sandi loved her family, her friends, travel, yoga, her horse, and her pets.

Born in Balboa, California, May 30, 1945, she lived in Hawaii, California, and Washington State. She graduated from Oak Harbor High School and after graduating from Western Washington State College Sandi spent time in the Peace Corps. She worked at Boeing where she met her future husband, Frank. She worked for Bechtel and later, the City of Mercer Island. After retiring she spent many years volunteering for Little Bit. She was adventurous and loved horseback riding, traveling to new places and making friends everywhere. When she could combine all three in one trip, she was ecstatic. Generous and kind, her whole family will remember the annual family reunions at her lake house. Never one to want to leave the party early, we are heartbroken to see her taken so soon.

Sandi is predeceased by her brother, Randy, her father, Dick and her husband, Frank. Sandi is survived by her mother, Jean Hayden, formerly of Oak Harbor, her brother, Rich, and her step-children, Joe (wife Karen), Mary, and Sue Gunn (husband Barry.) She leaves behind six grandchildren, Lorilei, Casey, James, Sam, Jessie and Jonathan, nephew, Alex, niece, Anna, many great-grandchildren, her horse, Dancer, and dog, Nick.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center in memory of Sandi Rafchiek at www.littlebit.org/donate.

A memorial service will be held at The Plateau Club 25625 E. Plateau Drive, Sammamish, WA 98074 on March 23 at 1:15 pm (yes, it's an odd time.)


Tributes

carolyn krieg wrote on Mar 2, 2019:

"Sandi was the ultimate in kindness and generosity. Below are some pictures/memories. In the first, she is with my old thoroughbred, the second and third are from a picnic and ride up Tiger Mountain, the rest are from a horse/mule camping trip we four "cowgirls" took in the Pasayten Wilderness. I feel blessed to call her my friend. "

Judy Gray wrote on Feb 27, 2019:

"Condolences and love to the family and friends of Sandy Rafchiek. I am connected to Sandy through her dear friend and neighbor from many years ago in Snohomish, Diane Strayer, who passed away 16 years ago. Sandy's warmth and open friendliness will always be remembered, as will her love of family, friends, and all animals, especially horses. She always made me feel welcome and loved. Best wishes from New England! -Judy Gray-"