Sandra Lee Smolko

Sandra (Sandy) Lee Evans Smolko, 67, passed away April 14, 2022, after a courageous battle with rapidly progressing Alzheimer’s Disease in Grant-Valkaria, Florida. She was born on June 16, 1954, in Youngstown, OH to Angeline Rouzzo Skerlock and Raymond Evans and spent most of her life in Lowellville, OH.

After graduating from Lowellville High School, Sandy lived a life of service to others, first as a nurses’ aide at Little Forest in Boardman, OH and then as a private hospice caregiver. Her capacity to provide loving and compassionate end of life care was boundless and provided much comfort to her patients’ loved ones.

Anyone who knew Sandy was touched by her kindness, generosity, acceptance, simplicity and love. She enjoyed cake decorating, word puzzles, watching crime mysteries, collecting porcelain dolls, and spending time with her dogs. She lived a frugal life; however, she was committed to helping others and maintained charitable giving to those less fortunate.

Sandy’s life was centered on her love for her family and God, in whose arms she is now embraced. Sandy was happiest when spending time with her children, grandchildren, and extended family whom she leaves to cherish her memory: sons James (Christie) Smolko of Pittsburg, PA; Shawn (Liezle) Smolko of Manila, Philippines; Steven Smolko of Grant-Valkaria, FL; and daughter Erin (Pat) Mulligan of Youngstown, OH; grandchildren Kaylee, Bryson, and Isabella Smolko; Tyler and Taylor Smolko, Elina Dela Paz-Smolko; Karly Miloser and Naomi Smolko; sister Josephine (Frank) Dripps of Batavia, IL; nephew Greg (Edna) Dripps of St. Charles, IL; niece Deborah (Stephen) Martin of Batavia, IL. Sandy was preceded in death by her loving mother, stepfather William Skerlock, her husband Albert Smolko; and nephew Frank Dripps IV.

Sandy will be deeply missed by all those she’s left behind. Our hearts are broken at her loss.

At her request, there will be no service nor calling hours. She wished only to be remembered as a devoted, loving mother and Christian woman.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff and caregivers at T&V ALF for the exemplary and personal care provided to Sandy, special thanks to Veronica and Pauline for their exceptional loving care of our beloved Sandy.