Ilion Sandra E. Walby, 67 of Ilion, went home to be with her Lord on Tuesday March 28, 2017 after a long courageous battle with cancer. Sandra was born on November 29, 1949 in Ilion, daughter of the late Donald and Dorothy (Sterling) Walby. She graduated from Ilion High School, class of ’67. She attended MVCC. In 2008 she graduated from the Herkimer County BOCES Practical Nurse Program and became a licensed practical nurse. From 1967 to 72 she was employed as a secretary-receptionist at several companies. She then was a senior ER clerk at Herkimer Hospital, until its closing. She was active in the union, serving as president. Sandie then worked at St. Luke’s Hospital as an admissions clerk in the ER. She worked until illness forced her to retire. Sandie served as president of the Mountain View Cemetery Board. Under her leadership many improvements were made. In 2006 Sandie converted to Catholicism. She faithfully attended the Church of the Annunciation in Ilion, where she substituted as a faith formation teacher. A position the brought her great pleasure, as she loved sharing her faith and teaching prayers to “her kids”. During Sandie’s time of struggle she never questioned “why me”. She felt others “had it worse” and was willing to help anyone find medical information to ease their burdens. She felt her faith and others’ prayers helped her through trying times. Sandie always had a positive attitude and felt she was truly blessed. Sandra leaves behind a special aunt, Leta Sterling; a sister Donna Smith; three nieces Dana, Denise and Danielle. She also leaves 8 great nieces and nephews as well as several cousins and many friends. Sandie’s family would like to thank all of her doctors and nurses at Bassett Health Care for their support and encouragement during her illnesses and treatments. They would also like to thank Ilion Ambulance and the doctors and nurses at Faxton-St. Luke’s special care unit, also the love and support shown by her friends Nancy, Deb and Bill. A special thank you to her cousin Becky Way for the care, love and comfort given while Sandie was in St. Luke’s. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated for Sandie on Tuesday April 4, 2017 at 10:30 am the Church of the Annunciation in Ilion, Fr. Paul Catina will officiate. Interment will be in the spring. In keeping with Sandie’s wishes there are no calling hours. Arrangements are with the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home Inc. 100 Otsego St. Ilion, NY. Friends and family may leave an online condolence by going to www.whiter-hendrix.com, they are also asked to please consider memorial donations to; Annunciation Church, St. Jude’s Hospital or Friends of Bassett Hospital. Envelopes will be available at church or the funeral home.