Sandra Houppert

It’s been said that the value of a person’s life is determined in how they lived between their “dash”. For Sandy Houppert, the span from 1963-2009 was spent bringing joy to those around her and in service to others. Sandy felt comfortable in her own skin and possessed a determined, yet warm confidence that made it a joy to be in her company. An intelligent woman, Sandy strove towards her accomplishments, the greatest of which she found in the love of her family. She will be fondly remembered and forever missed by those she leaves behind.

The 1960s ushered in a cultural revolution in America. The innocence of the previous decade was falling by the wayside as troubles mounted in Vietnam. It was especially evident when the nation mourned the tragic death of beloved President Kennedy. The Civil Rights movement created much tension, yet Martin Luther King‘s “I have a dream” speech forged a kinship among many. Even during these turbulent times, family values continued to play an important role in many people’s lives as Lassie graced TV screens and the infamous smiley face was a positive reminder of all good things. For Tom and Harriett (Ward) Leonard, hope was found in the glimmer of their baby girl’s smile when they welcomed the birth of Sandra into their loving arms on September 10, 1963 in Lafayette, Indiana.

While the youngest, Sandy always remained close to her sisters Linda and Debbie. Their difference in age never mattered when it came to the close bond they each shared. At times their home was bustling with all the activity three girls can bring, but Sandy enjoyed a childhood where she learned many life lessons from her big sisters. Even at an early age, Sandy exhibited her independent nature along with a warm and compassionate heart for others. She grew up in Elwood, Indiana, and attended the local schools. Sandy, like many young people during the mid 70s, cruised the L in Elwood with her sisters, and quite often with many of her friends. During high school, she excelled in her studies and was quite active in the Latin Club and the National Honor Society. An intelligent young woman, Sandy graduated from Elwood High School and went on to attend IUPUI, and later, Ivy Tech.

While living in Greenwood, Sandy’s roommate set her up with a young man named Kevin Houppert. Kevin’s roommate happened to be dating Sandy’s roommate at the time and thought that Sandy and Kevin would hit it off. Although the ten year age difference was a hang-up for Kevin at first, he eventually realized he needed to be more open about dating a younger lady. Once they became friends, Kevin and Sandy found they had much in common and shared many interests, including playing the guitar. Most importantly, the two shared a common faith and were in similar Bible studies. After finding themselves in love, they were blessed in marriage and became life companions celebrated by a simple ceremony on October 25, 1984. Sandy worked as a pharmacy technician early on and later in sales for the Brulin Corporation. The couple moved in 1986 to Morgan County and settled into their first home in Eminence. In time, Sandy began working as the Director of Client Services for the CTI Group servicing clients in the telecommunications industry where she remained for more than ten years.

After eight years of marriage, Sandy and Kevin joyfully welcomed their daughter Kathleen, and their son Matt graced their lives just one year and a day later. With her family now complete, Sandy relished being a mother to her children and found them to be her greatest joy. With a creative flair, Sandy spent time sewing, making cards, stamping and scrap booking. Matt has warm memories of his mother making her wonderful pancakes, and memorable times were also spent as a family playing Monopoly. Very competitive by nature, Sandy had her very own “Monopoly language”, and made it quite clear that she was out to win. She always had an opinion, but shared it lovingly and constructively. Musically inclined, she was a gifted pianist and found playing the piano to be relaxing. Although a child of the sixties, Sandy had an appreciation for and enjoyed a variety of music. Later in life she learned to play the accordion in remembrance of her father who played the instrument with much talent.

Sandy eventually graduated from the University of Phoenix through their online program while in her forties and rated this accomplishment as one she was thoroughly proud to have achieved. She also put forth much heartfelt love and time as an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Mooresville. Serving as a chairperson on the Pastor’s Parish Committee for a number of years, she gave of her time and talents on numerous committees at church and was especially involved with MORE for mission trips. A devoted volunteer at Churches in Mission, Sandy loved helping the disadvantaged and at one point had her entire family involved with stocking the food pantry there. Sandy’s faith and church family remained close to her heart her whole life through. In giving, she received, and was a better person for it. Her warm nature and independence gave her skills that enabled her light to shine through many of her involvements.

It was a difficult day when Sandy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on Veteran’s Day in 2008. Once the diagnosis was confirmed, she and Kevin decided on a special trip their family could share. Before long they were off to the Redwoods in California, and it proved to be a very special trip indeed for all of them. Looking back, it was the last time that Sandy was truly healthy enough to enjoy much of anything. After trying various forms of chemotherapy which worked for a time, the disease always progressed further with a vengeance. She put up a long and hard fight with great support from her family and church family as well.

The value of Sandy’s life was determined by how she lived between the dash in her life. For 46 years, she blessed the lives of those who knew and loved her in so many ways. Her spirited nature, compassionate heart and independent flair will be lovingly remembered and missed.

Sandra G. Houppert of Martinsville died on Sunday, December 27, 2009 at home surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her husband, Kevin Houppert; her children, Matthew Houppert and Kathleen Houppert, both at home; sisters, Linda Miller of Lafayette and Debbie Boyt of Georgia.

Friends and family will gather on Wednesday, December 30, 2009, 3-8 PM at Carlisle & Son Funeral Chapel, Mooresville. A service to celebrate her life will begin at 11:00 AM on Thursday, December 31, 2009 at First United Methodist Church, Mooresville. Burial will follow in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Churches in Mission, Friends of Calnali, or to Caring Bridge. Please visit www.carlisleandson.com to share a favorite memory of Sandy or to sign her online guest registry.