Sandra “Sandy” Wickham Zender

Sandra “Sandy” Wickham Zender 84, passed peacefully at Lawrence Memorial Hospital Wednesday, June 12, 2019.

Sandy was born April 8, 1935 in Cambria, Virginia the daughter of Frank Radford and Clara (Lawrence) Wickham.

She was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, Lawrence where she participated in the Stephen Ministry and enjoyed singing in the choir.

In 1955 she met her best friend and love of her life, Paul Ethan “Zig” Zender in Christiansburg Virginia. They were married 59 beautiful, fun, and loving years.

She leaves behind her daughter, Mary Paul Zender Paden and husband, Brian Paden; a sister, Louise Papayanis, PA and son-in-law, Cris Chaffin. She had four wonderful grandchildren: Chelsy Larson, Paul Chaffin, Wrenn Paden, and Cale Ethan Paden; two great grandchildren, Elijah Chaffin King, and Rowan Larson; good friend, Doug Carter. She was also preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Paul Zender; daughter, Franci Zender Chaffin; and siblings, Allene, Bud, Frances, Ruth, and Jean Lois.
Sandy was beautiful, amazing, caring and kind and will be missed by so many. We love you mamama!

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 6, 2019 at Trinity Lutheran Church of Lawrence Kansas. A reception will follow the service in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Lawrence Memorial Hospital or Lawrence Humane Society and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

5 Condolences

  1. Susie Brooks on June 15, 2019 at 10:22 pm

    Mary and Family,
    Sandy was a wonderful lady! Pat and I are so glad we got to know her over these past years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
    Please let us know if we can do anything for you.



  2. Deb Werts on June 23, 2019 at 12:42 pm

    Mary, I was surprised and saddened to read about your mother’s passing. I now see where you get your beautiful smiling face…she is lovely in that picture. My condolences to you, Brian, Wrenn & Cale.



  3. Julie Lowrance on July 3, 2019 at 8:27 am

    Dear Mary,

    I was so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

    Julie Lowrance



  4. Suzy Hill on July 5, 2019 at 10:20 am

    I remember Sandy well from the neighborhood bridge group back in the day. We had lots of fun talking and laughing. Sometimes we even played a little bridge.
    Thinking of you and your family, Mary.



  5. Steve Levitt on November 29, 2022 at 7:47 pm

    Dear Mary,
    I am sure the passing of your mother has been hard. Sandy was one of the most loving, happy, smart women I have ever known. Bless you and your family. We love you and your family. I miss her letters and inspiration.
    Steve Levitt



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