Obituary of Sandra Lynn Groth

Sandra Lynn Groth passed away peacefully at Solvay House on Oct. 2, 2015. A gentle, spiritual soul, she is now beyond hurt, beyond worry in a place of perfect peace. Sandy was born Sept. 24, 1947 in Minneapolis. Sandy graduated from Orono High School and attended St. Cloud State University. In her early twenties, she worked as a flight attendant for TWA. She then worked as an executive secretary for a firm in Robbinsdale, Minn., where she met her husband Duane. They moved to Longville, Minn., and built a lake home where they lived happily for many years. During that time, Sandy established a successful house cleaning business. After her husband's death, Sandy moved to Duluth. She worked at St. Mary's Medical Center from Feb 28, 2000 to Nov. 1, 2013 in Patient Transport Services. Because of her commitment and compassion for patients, she received the prestigious "Employee of the Year" award in 2008. Sandy was an avid reader, loved music, and enjoyed gardening and nature. Her favorite past time was walking and visiting the many parks and recreational areas around Lake Superior. She had a special love for animals and adopted several dogs and cats during her life-time. Sandy was preceded in death by her mother Doris (Farstad) Smith and her husband Duane Groth. She is survived by sisters Candiss (Ruben) Delcastillo, Lisa (Mike) Allen; brother Keith Smith, and niece Michele Delcastillo. Sandy enjoyed a close relationship with cousins Deborah (Leo) Ganzer and Karen (Jim) Carlson. Sandy also leaves behind extended family, and many friends including special friends Alice and Jim Martin, their dog Blaze and Marsha Chipman. Family and friends wish to extend heart felt gratitude to the staff at Solvay House for their compassion, dedication, and loving care. Sandy will be sorely missed and remembered for her grace, courage, humor, and sweet nature. A private celebration of her life has been planned. In lieu of flowers, family and friends request memorials be sent to Animal Allies of Duluth, a food shelf, Solvay House, or a charity of the giver's choice.