Sandra Lee Clark's Obituary
Sandra Lee Clark, age 77, passed away Saturday, April 5, 2025, in ICU at Meijer Heart Center in Grand Rapids. She was born on January 10, 1948, to Ronald and Velma (Fixel) Race in Muskegon, MI, and raised in Spring Lake. On May 2, 1970, Sandra Race married Robert Clark, and they shared 54 precious years together.
Sandy's heart was so vast and deep that to even try to express the boundless, immense, monumental depths of the infinite ways she's touched lives, both human and animal, throughout her lifetime, truly isn't expressible in words of any language. Her unbelievable quick wit and phenomenal sense of humor were an absolute joy. If you were ever lucky enough to cross paths in life with Sandra, your life is truly infinitely eternally blessed.
A few of Sandy's many passions and interests in life included spending time with family and friends, basset hounds, animals, nature, wildlife, reading, music, camping, swimming, roller skating, concerts, writing, dancing, gardening, singing, cooking, yet one of her greatest deepest passions throughout her life was always teaching.
If you are lucky enough to find a copy of the 1965 Avanti, this yearbook features the first graduating class of Spring Lake High School. A young Sandy Race has her picture featured four times: in the Junior class section as well as the student newspaper, the Sandscript, the Home Ec Club, and Future Teachers Club.
In the 1966 Avanti, Sandy had a busy Senior year. She was President of the Future Teachers, Editor of the Sandscript, a member of the Avanti yearbook staff; in addition, Sandy participated in German club, Home Ec club, and was an assistant in the main office in a class called Assisting the Professionals. But what stands out is her senior picture of a young woman with a wide beaming smile, sparkling eyes, and the most beautiful beehive hairdo.
She attended Central Michigan University, acquiring a teaching certification. Upon graduation in 1970, she was immediately hired to teach English and Language Arts back at her Alma Mater, Spring Lake High School. That was her home until her retirement fifty years later in 2020.
In all the intervening years, Sandy did so much more than teach. She helped in the band uniform room when her son was in marching band; Sandy served as the English department chair and participated in the Spring Lake Education Association in various capacities, her last being chief negotiator for the union contract. But Sandy’s greatest loves outside teaching were her advisor roles with the National Honor Society for nineteen years and the Avanti yearbook for 23 years.
In 50 years of teaching, her influence on the students of Spring Lake is unmeasurable. Students would often leave “We love you, Clarkbear!” messages on her board. Sandy and her classroom even welcomed the arrival of the grandchildren of her original students. She truly cared for all of her students. Sandy’s gift was her public speaking ability. She articulated precisely, and her voice was calm and clear—the sort of thing one might expect from a Speech teacher, but she nevertheless lived it, modeled it. Her colleagues were always greeted with a welcoming smile when they came into talk. She was revered by her colleagues and loved by all. Mrs. Clark is a Laker Legend and left her mark on thousands of students in her indomitable career. Spring Lake Public Schools is a better place because of Sandy Clark.
Sandra will be lovingly remembered and missed by her Mother, Velma Race; husband, Robert Clark; children, Jenny Clark, Julie Clark, Ronald Clark; grandchildren, Ellie, Devon, Robbie, Audrey, Aaron; brother, Gary (Diane) Race; special best friend, Faith (Tom) Biros. She was preceded in death by her father, Ronald Race.
Per Sandra's wishes, her cremation has taken place and her Celebration of Life Memorial will be held at a later date. Sandra was an eternal animal lover. In lieu of flowers, please consider Sandra's passion for animals and any memorial contributions may be sent to Heaven Can Wait Animal Haven, Noah's Project, Faithful to Felines, Harbor Humane, Pound Buddies, or any other animal rescue/shelter of your choice in her memory.
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