Sandie Jean Gaertner

ATHENS - SANDIE JEAN GAERTNER (63), beloved daughter of Eileen and Frank (deceased) Gaertner, died in Athens, OH on January 19, 2016 following a decades long battle with eating disorders. Sandie was born on December 11, 1952 in Cleveland where she attended Regina High School. A naturally gifted actress, Sandie received numerous citywide acting awards and a scholarship to the prestigious Interlochen Arts Academy. She earned a BA in Theatre and Psychology at Marymount College in Tarrytown, NY. She lived in New York City, stationed there as a flight attendant with American Airlines. While there she earned a Masters in Psychology from the New School for Social Research. In subsequent years she lived and worked in Dallas, TX; Cleveland, OH; and Athens, OH where she acted at local theatres and pursued a Masters in Journalism at Ohio University. During this time Sandie wrote, edited, conducted research, and volunteered at social service agencies. A voracious reader, Sandie’s interests encompassed philosophy, spirituality, literature, drama, psychology, animal issues, current affairs, and the eating disorders that claimed her. She was a passionate and vocal advocate for animals and animal rights. Her family and friends will always recall her dramatic flair, unmistakable voice and laugh, ironic sense of humor, and acute sensitivity to the feelings and cares of others. Sandie gave far more than she received. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her sister, Connie Vukin of Centerville, OH; brothers: James (Cindy) of Dallas,TX, Tim (Terri) of Medina, and Chris of North Canton; nieces: Anna Vukin, Katie, Meg, Emily, and Amy Gaertner; nephews: Matt (Beth) and Joseph (Lauren) Vukin; grand nephew, James Vukin, and her cat Ashley. Please direct any contributions in Sandie’s memory to your local Humane Society. Arrangements are by Hughes-Moquin Funeral Home where you may sign the online guestbook or leave a private message of sympathy for the family at www.hughesmoquinfuneralhome.com.