Sandra “Sandie” Kay Brockbank, 75, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2021 at St Peter’s Hospital in Helena with her family by her side.
Sandra was born in Elgin, ND on November 21, 1945 to Donald and Pearl McDowall. She was the 2nd child of 4 and spent her younger years in Mandan, ND. She was blessed with 2 boys, Ed Ereth in 1967 and Steve Ereth in 1972. Being a mom to her boys and watching them grow and have families of their own was her greatest joy.
Sandra moved to Helena, MT in 1980 from San Diego. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Carroll College while working at US West, where she also met the love of her life, Richard Brockbank. Sandra was determined to continue her education. She sold her house to fund her advanced education, left her dog and cat with her boyfriend Rich and moved to Cheney, WA where she proudly earned her Master of Social Work from Eastern Washington.
Rich jokes that it took him 6 years to convince Sandra to marry him. They finally tied the knot in 1991 at Flathead Lake. With the marriage, she became a stepmom. She loved Rich’s kids deeply and treated them as if they were her own.
Sandra’s passion in life was her grandkids. She loved nothing more than spending time with them. Their favorite activities were playing games, shopping, swapping books and getting manicures. Sandra went to all of her grandkids’ performances and sporting events and was always the loudest one cheering in the stands. She would do “anything” that they asked her to and she was always available for a visit or a phone call.
Sandra always had a book that she was reading. She loved animals (especially her late dog Lucy), playing Mah Jongg with friends and cherished time with her prayer group. She was full of Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and always said she was not afraid to die because she knew she was headed to eternal life. She will be remembered for her inviting presence, a smile that could brighten anyone’s day and a contagious laugh.
Sandra will be missed by her loving family which includes her husband of 30 years, Richard, her children – Ed (Trina) Ereth, Steve (Jamey) Ereth, Kevin (Brandi) Brockbank, Kim (Dan) Cronen, Cheri (Paul) Krebs
and her surviving siblings Rex (Joyce) McDowall and Lila (Dan) Steffes. Most of all Sandra’s spirit will live on in her 11 grandchildren: Hilary, Keenan, Quincey, Seth, Claire, Eamonn, Pyper, Emiley, Eli, Maeve and Morgan. No one was ever loved more.
Sandra was preceded in death by her parents Pearl and Donald McDowall and her brother Gary McDowall.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses in the ICU at St Peter’s hospital, especially nurse Aaron. He treated Sandra with the utmost care and compassion and was always available for our family.
Viewing will be at the Anderson Stevenson Wilke funeral home from 10-4 on Tuesday, May 18th. The service will be at Our Lady of the Valley, 1502 Shirley Road, at 11 am on Wednesday, May 19th. There will be a reception immediately following. A livestream option for the service is available by going to www.youtube.com and search for “Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Parish Helena, MT.”
In lieu of flowers, please honor Sandra’s love of animals by sending donations to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604.
Service Schedule
Viewing
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Tuesday May 18, 2021
Anderson Stevenson and Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave,
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
11:00 am
Wednesday May 19, 2021
Our Lady of the Valley Church
1502 Shirley Rd
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following Mass
Wednesday May 19, 2021
Our Lady of the Valley Church
1502 Shirley Rd, Helena, MT 59602
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Viewing
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Tuesday May 18, 2021
Anderson Stevenson and Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave,
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
11:00 am
Wednesday May 19, 2021
Our Lady of the Valley Church
1502 Shirley Rd
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following Mass
Wednesday May 19, 2021
Our Lady of the Valley Church
1502 Shirley Rd, Helena, MT 59602
Helena, Montana 59602
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John Farnam says
Sandy brought such joy and love to all of those she came across. Our family was absolutely blessed to call she and Rich dear family friends. May she rest in power and may the many memories we all have of our time with Sandy bring us peace. God bless Sandy and her entire family.
Erin Sprinkle says
I’m so sorry for the unexpected loss of your dear Sandy. May she Rest In Peace and her memory live strong in the days and years to come. Erin Sprinkle
Laurie Kops says
The world is a bit less joyful with the loss of Sandy. Her amazingly generous heart, abundant wisdom, and positive outlook on life brought love, joy, compassion and dignity to so many lives. I hope her countless acts of love bring solace and beautiful memories to her family and friends…she is missed already. RIP, dear Sandy.
Suzanne L Williams says
My heart is sad of losing my long time friend. Sandy and I worked together at Mountain Bell in the early 80’s. She was such a special person and one of the kindest people I have come across. She was so wise but her laughter filled the room. I moved to Colorado but over the years, I always tried to see her and Rich when I went back to Montana. I saw Sandy and Rich two summers ago, and we had such a good visit. And I thought Sandy looks so great and seems so happy. I know, her and Rich had a wonderful life together. She will be truly missed by so many.
Rest in Peace my dear friend. Sue Williams
Mardi and Bob Millons says
Rich, We are so sorry for your loss. Everyone loved her. She was a special lady in all respects. I am so glad I was able to reconnect with her for a short time. And she was right….she is with Jesus and wrapped in His loving arms…although everyone here will miss her.
Mary Schuller says
I am so sorry for your loss. Sandy was so kind funny with always a quick smile and laugh. Treasure your memories.
Leonard & Carol Markuson says
Carol and I are so sorry to hear of your wife, Sandy’s passing. We pray that you and your family can relish the wonderful memories of her and know she is now in God’s Hands!
Deana Sleep says
I am sorry for your and your family’s loss. May you find peace in your memories and the kindness of each other.
Phyllis Marshik says
Rich, we are sorry for your loss. May you be thankful for the memories.
A distant cousin.
Don & Brenda Smith says
As we fondly remember our friend Sandra (Sandie), several notable attributes stand out. She always had a smile and sparkle in her eyes. She thought of others, not herself, as we well know, when she and Rich would often visit Brenda’s elderly parents in Sunland Village East. Always inquiring how they were doing and offering support if they could. It made a difference & meaning to their lives. You knew she cared and we’re sure she was always that way with so many others. We’ll miss her. God’s Blessings to Rich and their families.
Jeri Ostafin says
We met & became friends while we were teenagers in Mandan, ND. Sandie was always so positive. Her infectious laugh, beautiful smile, & caring personality were known to all. During our first few years of married life raising kids, we shared many up & downs. Then we all move out of ND and only saw each other when we went back. The last time I saw Sandie was when we stopped in Helena on our way back to ND. That was the one and only time I met Richard. Times weren’t easy then, but I got the feeling, he would always be there for her. Was so happy to hear Sandie followed her dream of going to college. What an accomplishment. Love Jeri & Vern Ostafin
Barb Barnes says
I had the pleasure of working with Sandy and watched first hand as she made a terrific difference in the lives of so many children. She had a special Light in her heart that I still remember, beaming through her eyes and bringing courage and hope to all she helped. May you be comforted and held with tender tender mercies. May she have peace and be free forever.