Sandra Leversee

Sandra "Sandy" Kay Leversee, 74, of Portage passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. She was born on June 18, 1951, in Kalamazoo to the late Junior "Matt" and Elaine (Alman) Matteson.

Sandy graduated from Portage Central High School and continued her education at KVCC, earning several advanced professional certificates over the years. She worked as an Executive Administrative Assistant at Kal-Aero, Plainwell Paper Co and spent over 30 years proudly working at Upjohn/Pfizer. Sandy served as the coordinator for the International Immunocompromised Host Society (ICHS), the premier, international forum for scientific and clinical exchange to improve understanding of immunocompromised diseases, planning and attending domestic and international biennial meetings. Sandy was especially proud of obtaining her Advanced Amateur Radio License, call-sign KD8JU. She accumulated several hours of flight instruction with her father who was a certified flight instructor.

After retirement, Sandy developed new skills and a passion for sewing, embroidery, and quilting. She enjoyed attending Silver Sneakers exercise classes at the YMCA, where she gained physical strength, endless motivation and wonderful friendships. She loved shopping, cheering on her children and grandchildren at activities, and treasured time with her granddaughters. She also enjoyed traveling with her husband Doug, including several trips to their favorite destination of Hawaii and a special trip to Alaska. Sandy adored spending time with her close-knit group of girlfriends.

Sandy was a strong and resilient spirit, overcoming numerous and rare health challenges in her lifetime, exceeding expectations of medical professionals. She received tremendous care from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, where she was treated for over 35 years.

Sandy was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Mike Matteson.

She is survived by her loving husband, Doug Leversee; children, Sarah (Eric) Ortman and Matthew Leversee; granddaughters, Madelyn and Emma Ortman; siblings, Paul Matteson, Sharon (Matteson) Bennett, and Dale Matteson; as well as several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A service to celebrate Sandy's life will be held at 11:00am on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services, 3926 S 9th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. A time to share a meal and memories will follow at Langelands.

Sandy loved going to the beach in South Haven, Michigan, but later in life accessibility to the beach became increasingly challenging. The family is working with the City of South Haven to gift a non-motorized beach wheelchair in her honor.

Contributions may be made via Venmo to @Sarah-Ortman-5, verification number 2231

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the many caregivers who provided compassionate support and kindness throughout the years.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family visit https://www.langelands.com.