Sandra L. "Sandie" Gilson

March 28, 1944 - November 23, 2020

Sandra Lee Booher Gilson, our beautiful, loving, and spirited mother, grandmother, wife, aunt, sister and friend, slipped from this world into the loving arms of her mother and father, Lillian and William Wilson; sister, Karen Booher; grandparents, Otto and Mary Ahonan; father-in-law Paul Gilson; brother-in-law Gregory Gilson, and the Lord Jesus on Monday, November 23, 2020. Sandie's beautiful spirit and joyous laughter will be missed by her husband, Paul Gilson; her children, Chip Gilson, Tim (Lori) Gilson; grandchildren, Corinne Caussat, Sadie Gilson, Jonny Gilson, Joshua Gilson, and Lillianna Gilson; sisters, Sharon Literal and Lisa Wilson; mother-in-law Gail Gilson; sister-in-law, Jeannie Gilson; her life-long friends, the Perch Posse; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The world became brighter on March 28, 1944, when Sandie was born in Painesville, Ohio. Sandie was a popular, well-loved graduate of Riverside High School, Class of 1962. She was a vivacious cheerleader, talented editor of the Riverside Log, member of the Girls Athletic Association, and part of the Homecoming Court. She married her high school sweetheart, Paul Edward Gilson, on August 28,1965 at St. James Episcopal Church in Painesville, Ohio. Together, they raised two boys, Chip and Timmy Gilson, who brought Sandie incredible joy and pride. Sandie loved to read and teach, and shared these gifts with students at Broadmoor and Assumption Schools. She also held many positions assisting physicians with office management, where patients adored her. Sandie was a member of the Blackbrook Audubon Society and attended St. John's Lutheran Church in Geneva, Ohio. Sandie loved her Finnish heritage, wildflowers, butterflies, birding, fishing, enjoying country rides, art and craft shows, farmers markets, camping, campfires and making s'mores. Her favorite places were Cook Forest, Presque Isle, Trent River, Ontario, the Alpine Loop in Utah, and Lake Geauga and Ashtabula Metro Parks. Sandie loved the marshes of western Lake Erie, where she spent 30 years birding with Paulie, the love of her life. Sandie loved to play with her grandchildren. She knew hundreds of nursery rhymes and songs and was skilled in using her imagination. She created incredible landscapes and worlds, where they would spend hours adventuring. Sandie was a constant cheerleader and beam of radiant light. She made everyone feel special and loved. Her stickers and comments on social media brightened the world and will be sorely missed. She was known for sending the best cards, complete with glitter and confetti, which is exactly how Sandie will always be remembered. She was joy. She was glitter. She was confetti. And she will be greatly missed.