Sandra (Walukonis) Macpherson of Wilmington, Delaware passed away from natural causes on March 2, 2023 at the age of 76.
Sandy was raised in Ringtown, Pennsylvania. She moved to Delaware in 1966 where she started a family and began a successful career in banking for 3 decades. Employed by Signal Finance and Beneficial Bank (which later became First Card/ FCC National Bank). She excelled in leadership roles; holding Senior Management positions in Customer Service, Quality and Distribution Services. She then worked for Applied Card and was transferred to Delray Beach, Florida In 2001 where she continued her career, then met and married Tom Macpherson. In 2011 she retired and moved back to Wilmington to spend more time with her cherished grandchildren and family.
Her philanthropic nature was inspirational. She volunteered her time to assist and mentor others in need at various organizations, including the New Castle County Family Court. As a result of her service to the community, she was awarded a much-deserved Leadership Award. This was characteristic of Sandy to those who knew and loved her for her compassion, generosity, and sense of responsibility to her fellow man.
Traveling the world and learning about other cultures and religions was extremely meaningful and important to her, and she was caring and non-judgemental to all people. She enjoyed cooking, had a flair for making things beautiful and a passion for creating jewelry. Nothing meant more to Sandy, though, than to spend time with her loving family and friends.
Sandy’s greatest gift to friends, family and co-workers was her kindness, willingness to share knowledge and to help those in need. She had a strong work ethic and often shared her favorite Chinese proverb: “Of the best leader, when she/he is gone they will say: We did it ourselves.”
She is survived by her devoted son Bill Walukonis from her first marriage to William Walukonis. Survivors also include her daughter-in-law, Pam Krauser; her grandchildren, Ryan and Brenna Walukonis; her sisters, Karen DeCrease and Nancy (Larry) DeCrease; her brother, Joe (Polly) DeCrease; her niece, Tara (Bob) Thompson; and her partner, Alan Rosen.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Betty DeCrease; her second husband, Tom Macpherson; and her nephew, Nick DeCrease.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 26, 2023 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at McCrery & Harra Funeral Homes, 3924 Concord Pike, Wilmington where a memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Operation Smile, Operation Smile, 3641 Faculty Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23453/ www.operationsmile.org or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105/ www.stjude.org, two of Sandy’s favorite charities.
To send online condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com
