Sandra Jean Pavolka

Sandra passed away peacefully, with her husband Mark by her side on March 30, 2011 at the Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, CA

of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. She is dearly loved and will be greatly missed by her family and the many people she knew throughout the world.

Sandra was born to Raymond and Juanita Ellis who she loved and honored; in Norman, OK on July 15, 1949. Sandra made the Dean’s and President’s lists at Washington State University in Physics and Mathematics and graduated with honors with a Masters degree in Psychology. She was employed by the Department of Housing and Urban Development for 30 years in various technical and managerial positions in the Northwest and Alaska. At age 26 she was a Division Director in the Boise HUD office. She was known for her attention to detail, analytical, and organizational skills.

Her great love of travel grew out of her beloved father’s military service in Germany for six years. Before retirement Sandra and Mark traveled to Western and Eastern Europe and continued after their retirement in 2004 spending four to six weeks a year in Vienna, Austria. From Vienna they traveled to many surrounding countries. She especially enjoyed the rural towns and villages of Austria and Germany. Sandra loved everything about Vienna, speaking German, the music, museums especially the Kunsthistorisches museum with its outstanding collection of Pieter Bruegel the elder and younger paintings, food, friends; and was looking forward to a return next summer.

Sandra is survived by her husband Mark, step-children Kevin, Karin, David, and grandson Jacob. Siblings: David (Elaina), Peggy (Ron); and numerous nieces and nephews. Sandra loved spending the winter months since 1983 in Rancho Mirage and La Quinta, CA. Since retiring Sandra and Mark spent six months in La Quinta a year enjoying their many friends from Canada and the Northwest. She enjoyed the house they built on Vashon Island, working in the yard and garden, cooking for friends (her pies were famous), and enjoying coffee by the pond.

A Memorial Mass will be offered at the church Sandra and Mark were married at on August 20th, 11:00am at St. Catherine of Siena Church located at 814 NE 85th street in Seattle. The Mass will be said by Father Matthew Naumes who married Sandra and Mark. A reception will follow at Anthony’s at Shilshole Bay (6135 Seaview Ave NW). Please RSVP if you will attend the reception to mpavolka@centurytel.net by August 15, 2011.

Inurnment will follow at a later date.

Paid Obituary.