Sandra Lee Cradit

Sandra Lee Cradit was born September 2, 1968, in Salem, Oregon, to Richard Dennis “Rusty” and Judith Lou (Walker) Albright. She graduated from High school in Salem Oregon and went on to earn two bachelors’ degrees in nursing from Chemeketa Community College and Oregon coast Community College. In the early 1990’s, Sandra’s brother worked at a gas station, and she would take him breakfast on the weekends and visit. One of her brother’s coworkers, Fred Cradit, was finally convinced to accept a breakfast from Sandra, too, and this is where their love story began. The couple fell in love and tied the knot on January 9, 1993, in McMinnville, Oregon, during a huge snowstorm. Sandra had a huge heart and cared deeply for others. She felt called to serve people in need in two specific ways; caring for youth in state custody and people that were on hospice. She worked for McClaren Youth correction and loved the time she had with the young people there, doing what she could to give them a sense of hope. Sandra taught them to garden and then create recipes with their food, like zucchini bread. When she left this line of work, she went on to spend years working in hospice, caring for people and their families as they faced the end of life. Wherever she worked, Sandra was loved and respected by her coworkers, residents, and patients alike. She grew strong bonds with many of them over the years. For each family that lost a loved one, she would make them an ornament at Christmas time, and always added to the memory trees around town. At home, Sandra loved spending time with her family and was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. She was always there for any of them when they needed her no matter what. Sandra was a forgiving person, never holding a grudge or judging anyone. She found peace at home surrounded by her pets and nature. Sandra loved to garden, growing beautiful flowers and a bountiful garden, which she canned with each year. She was well known for her amazing salsa amongst other things. On their property, Sandra and Fred had a Koi pond, raised chickens both for eggs and meat, and had several beloved cats and dogs. Another of Sandra’s passions was crafting. She had a whole room full of craft supplies and loved making things for her patients and her family. On September 26, 2021, Sandra passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at her home in Jefferson, leaving behind a family heartbroken at the loss. She is survived by her Husband Fred; her children Crystal Rae Christensen, Caleb Douglas Cradit, and Sarah Cheyenne Cradit; grandchildren Cora, Izzak, Ashley, Kadence, and Shaya; Mom Judy Forsythe, Brother Doug Frey and many dear friends.