Sandra Fay Chatfied Kreinest, known to her friends as Sande, entered God's Kingdom on August 18, 2023, due to natural causes.  A funeral will be held on September 27, 2023 at 10:00am, at St. Joseph's Historic Catholic Church,  4214 Loretto Road, Jacksonville, FL.  Fr. Donal Sullivan will officiate.

She was born on March 28, 1934 in Hoosick, NY and died on August 18, 2023 at 89 years old, in Jacksonville, FL

Preceding her death:  Her husband, Jim Kreinest; Parents, Allison  and Hazel Chatfield; Sister, Judith Chatfield; Grandson, Michael Zumwalde.

Surviving  Six Children:  Susan (Richard) Zumwalde, Pamela Kreinest, David (Christine) Kreinest, Joan (Charles) Campbell, Judith (Steve) Robbins, and Michael (Kelly) Kreinest.   14 Grandchildren:  Laura (Ryan) Griffin, Abigail (Matt) Wilcox, Heather and April Zumwalde, Daniel and Sarah Kreinest, Caroline and Hillary Campbell, Heather (Jay) Lewis, Emily Robbins, Chatfield, Price and Hadley Kreinest.  10 Great-grandchildren:  Tanner, Lily, Logan and Tate Griffin, Anna Zumwalde, Evie Claire Whiddon, Matty and Jake Wilcox, Reagan and Peyton Lewis.  And her beloved dog, Molly.

Sande was a loving wife for 68 years, devoted mother,  great friend, an excellent Nurse, and a conscientious  citizen.  She was the happiest when she had all of her family together for the holidays, especially at Christmas. 

Sande always wanted to be a Nurse.  She began her nursing classes at the age of 16 after moving into a Boarding School for nursing students.  After she graduated from  high school , she attended a USO dance where she met Jim.  They were married and quickly started a family.  She had to put her plans on hold until all of her children completed school.  In the meantime, she enjoyed family, playing cards with good friends, Bob and Liz Wingate, playing tennis, learning to play the organ,  singing and competing with Sweet Adelines' Choir,  gardening, shopping and having garage sales, cooking, working as a Sacristan at St. Catherine's Catholic Church, organizing the Attic Treasures booth at church Bazaars, and writing letters to the editor of the local newspaper, with solutions to problems she noticed in her community.

At age 54, she completed her training and began her nursing practice at Orange Park Hospital.   After two years, she accepted a new position at St. Vincents Hospital in Jacksonville, on the Medical/Surgical floor.  From there, she transferred to Short Stay, until she retired at 71 years young.

Sande dreamed of living in a beautiful home on a mountain with a view.  Jim spent two years building their dream home and vacation destination for their family, in Franklin, NC.  She created an amazing garden filled with rose bushes and fruit trees, took care of their lovely home, and volunteered at CareNet, organizing donations and helping in the thrift store.  

When the love of her life was diagnosed with Alzheimer"s Disease, they moved back to Orange Park, FL to be near her children.  After 12 years, Jim went home to God's Kingdom.  Two years later, Sande lost her ability to care for herself.  Her children took care of her in her home, with help from compassionate care givers (especially Elaine and Tasha).  Sande is reunited with Jim in Heaven, watching over her family and, most likely, organizing Heaven.  She will be dearly missed.

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