Sandra Sills Carlson (Sandy), 63, of Pensacola, FL passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, August 28, 2021.

She met her future husband Rick when she was just 16 and, after dating for 5 years, they were married in 1979. They recently celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary on July 21st. Their love was rare - one in a million – and everyone who encountered them together could see how the years had only brought them closer together. It was beautiful to watch.

Sandy was born in Alexandria, VA but traveled to many different places during her lifetime including Hawaii, Australia, Mexico, New Zealand, and Italy. She also enjoyed cruising and visited many different destinations by ship.

She was a successful entrepreneur. Together she and Rick built multiple businesses which included swimming pool maintenance and land development. She was very tech savvy and handled all the accounting throughout the years. She was an invaluable part of their team.

Sandy made a house feel like a home, a problem feel like an opportunity, and made your worries just wash away. She had a wealth of knowledge and wisdom and was always willing to listen or give advice. There wasn't anything she wouldn't do for those she loved.

She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. She enjoyed going to events/practices/games for her children and grandchildren and always supported them and assisted in their goals and dreams. She was an excellent cook; some of her seasonal dishes were looked forward to all year.

Sandy was a devout Catholic and helped raise two generations of Catholics after her.

Her life was a shining example that virtue, honesty, love, faith, and family are all one needs to be truly happy. Her love and influence on others will have a ripple effect that will yield results for years and decades to come – as the people who carry her in their hearts remember how much she changed their lives.

Sandy is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Beverly Sills; Sister, Terri Burns; Brother, Michael Sills; half brother, Gary Robert Sills.

She is survived by her husband, Rick Carlson; sons, Erik Carlson (Dana), Dustin Carlson (Rebecca); daughter, Tiffany Aird (Sean); grandchildren, Olivia Carlson, Connor Aird, Alexander Aird, Jace Aird, Luke Aird, Liliana Aird; Brother, Robert B. Sills; Sisters, Lisa Sills, Lori Sills.

Visitation will be 5-7pm Thursday, September 2, 2021 at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00pm Friday, September 3, 2021 at St. Paul Catholic Church, Fr. Jack Campbell celebrant. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.