In Memory Of
Sandra Jean French
1940
2023
Sandra Jean French
October 24, 1940 — February 13, 2023
Sandra Jean Moreland French, 82, passed away at her home February 13, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born October 24, 1940 in Kansas City, MO., the only child of Chester and Mayme Phipps Moreland.
Sandra had a lifelong passion for learning. She attended East High School in KC MO., graduating as Valedictorian in 1958. As a student Sandra was involved in numerous clubs and activities. She was a member of Leundis literary society, Latin Club, FBLA, and was a member of the National Honor Society. She was editor of the school newspaper and co-editor of the yearbook. Following graduation Sandra attended Kansas City Kansas Junior College graduating with honors in 1960.
Following a period of work as a legal secretary, Sandra accepted a position with Highway Oil Co, Inc. as an executive secretary. In 1971 the company relocated to Topeka from Prairie Village, and Sandra moved to Topeka. Her abilities were recognized and after several advancements Sandra was promoted to Vice President of Highway Oil Co., Inc and the affiliated Workingman's Friend Oil Co. Sandra remained with the company until sold in 2020, claiming with a smile she was "laid off".
Sandra married Larry M. French on August 6, 1988 in Bar Harbor, ME. The couple enjoyed their life together. The couple were experienced travelers and shared memories of Christmas in the Swiss Alps, the required trip to "Kat"hmandu in Nepal, Grenada at the time of the US military invasion, and a photographic safari of Africa. They traveled to all continents except Antarctica. Sandra was a gourmet cook and couple enjoyed entertaining and the couple had the reputation as amazing hosts to family and friends. Sandra had a sweet tooth and her banana split pie was legendary, and she generously shared her coveted recipes. Family and friends were treated to lavish Easter egg hunts, poolside fun, memorable Christmas celebrations, and epic sea food feasts. They truly enjoyed spending time with the people they loved.
Sandra was an avid reader especially of mystery and detective novels. She remained a loyal fan of Agatha Christie! Sandra's love of history was often evident in the names of her pampered and much loved felines, including Harry S, Winston C, and Ishmael. Sandra excelled at board games and was the sought out partner at all times. She was known for completing the NY Times crossword puzzle each day in ink. The game show Jeopardy was a passion and Sandra was often encouraged to become a contestant but she remained content demonstrating her knowledge as she watched. Sandra's quick wit and sense of humor kept her family and friends on their toes.
Sandra possessed a very generous spirit and it was frequently showered on friends and family. As a young woman Sandra enjoyed taking her young cousins to shops on the Kansas City Plaza to select frilly dresses with matching hats and gloves. She enjoyed taking young people to the Top of the Tower in Topeka for a special "adult" dining experience. She was a great role model and mentor to many young girls and women. She found joy in serving the community and individuals and recognized the needs of others and would assist in a wide variety of ways without recognition or attention. She was a generous donor to rescue organizations of animals, especially for cats and kittens.
Sandra was an active member of professional and community organizations. Sandra served several terms as an officer in Topeka ABWA, first with Echo Chapter and then as a member of Panache Chapter. She has been a member of St. David's Episcopal Church for more than 30 years serving as a member of the Alter Guild and serving her church family and community whenever the opportunity presented. Sandra is a proud member of the GJ Chapter of P.E.O.
Sandra was a great role model and a loving and loyal friend. The beautiful combination of her sweet and spunky personality was a gift to all who knew her. She is loved by many and will be deeply missed by family and friends.
Sandra is preceded in death by the love of her life and husband Larry French in November 2022, her parents Chester and Mayme Moreland, and cousins Teresa Phipps Rogers and A.J. Phipps. She is survived by cousins Shirley Davies, Overland Park, KS, Gail Phipps, Gower, MO, and Gloria Wiss, Olathe, KS, and fur children Sammy and Emily Ann.
Memorial service will be Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 11 a.m. at St. David's Episcopal Church, 3916 SW 17th St., Topeka, KS. Internment of ashes will be in the church columbarium. Lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to CAT Association of Topeka (http://www.topekacat.org/ or https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/30972) or St. David's Episcopal Church Rector's Pantry (http://www.stdavidschurch.com/).
Sandra had a lifelong passion for learning. She attended East High School in KC MO., graduating as Valedictorian in 1958. As a student Sandra was involved in numerous clubs and activities. She was a member of Leundis literary society, Latin Club, FBLA, and was a member of the National Honor Society. She was editor of the school newspaper and co-editor of the yearbook. Following graduation Sandra attended Kansas City Kansas Junior College graduating with honors in 1960.
Following a period of work as a legal secretary, Sandra accepted a position with Highway Oil Co, Inc. as an executive secretary. In 1971 the company relocated to Topeka from Prairie Village, and Sandra moved to Topeka. Her abilities were recognized and after several advancements Sandra was promoted to Vice President of Highway Oil Co., Inc and the affiliated Workingman's Friend Oil Co. Sandra remained with the company until sold in 2020, claiming with a smile she was "laid off".
Sandra married Larry M. French on August 6, 1988 in Bar Harbor, ME. The couple enjoyed their life together. The couple were experienced travelers and shared memories of Christmas in the Swiss Alps, the required trip to "Kat"hmandu in Nepal, Grenada at the time of the US military invasion, and a photographic safari of Africa. They traveled to all continents except Antarctica. Sandra was a gourmet cook and couple enjoyed entertaining and the couple had the reputation as amazing hosts to family and friends. Sandra had a sweet tooth and her banana split pie was legendary, and she generously shared her coveted recipes. Family and friends were treated to lavish Easter egg hunts, poolside fun, memorable Christmas celebrations, and epic sea food feasts. They truly enjoyed spending time with the people they loved.
Sandra was an avid reader especially of mystery and detective novels. She remained a loyal fan of Agatha Christie! Sandra's love of history was often evident in the names of her pampered and much loved felines, including Harry S, Winston C, and Ishmael. Sandra excelled at board games and was the sought out partner at all times. She was known for completing the NY Times crossword puzzle each day in ink. The game show Jeopardy was a passion and Sandra was often encouraged to become a contestant but she remained content demonstrating her knowledge as she watched. Sandra's quick wit and sense of humor kept her family and friends on their toes.
Sandra possessed a very generous spirit and it was frequently showered on friends and family. As a young woman Sandra enjoyed taking her young cousins to shops on the Kansas City Plaza to select frilly dresses with matching hats and gloves. She enjoyed taking young people to the Top of the Tower in Topeka for a special "adult" dining experience. She was a great role model and mentor to many young girls and women. She found joy in serving the community and individuals and recognized the needs of others and would assist in a wide variety of ways without recognition or attention. She was a generous donor to rescue organizations of animals, especially for cats and kittens.
Sandra was an active member of professional and community organizations. Sandra served several terms as an officer in Topeka ABWA, first with Echo Chapter and then as a member of Panache Chapter. She has been a member of St. David's Episcopal Church for more than 30 years serving as a member of the Alter Guild and serving her church family and community whenever the opportunity presented. Sandra is a proud member of the GJ Chapter of P.E.O.
Sandra was a great role model and a loving and loyal friend. The beautiful combination of her sweet and spunky personality was a gift to all who knew her. She is loved by many and will be deeply missed by family and friends.
Sandra is preceded in death by the love of her life and husband Larry French in November 2022, her parents Chester and Mayme Moreland, and cousins Teresa Phipps Rogers and A.J. Phipps. She is survived by cousins Shirley Davies, Overland Park, KS, Gail Phipps, Gower, MO, and Gloria Wiss, Olathe, KS, and fur children Sammy and Emily Ann.
Memorial service will be Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 11 a.m. at St. David's Episcopal Church, 3916 SW 17th St., Topeka, KS. Internment of ashes will be in the church columbarium. Lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to CAT Association of Topeka (http://www.topekacat.org/ or https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/30972) or St. David's Episcopal Church Rector's Pantry (http://www.stdavidschurch.com/).
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Sandra Jean French, please visit our flower store.
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