Sandra E. McQuillan Obituary (1951

MCQUILLAN- Sandra E. (nee Cook), 74, of Cowlesville, NY passed away peacefully on September 24th at The Gateway Comfort Home in Attica, NY, after a short and courageous battle with cancer. Sandy was born in Buffalo, NY on August 30, 1951 to the late Raymond and Doris Cook. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 55 years, Thomas J McQuillan, her sons, Jay (Lisa) McQuillan and Brian (Meg) McQuillan, her 4 grandchildren, Brennan, Keira, Sean, and Matthew McQuillan, her brothers David Cook and Ron (Pam) Cook, sisters and brothers-in-law, Sue (John) Clarkson, Nancy (Tom) Pappas and Kevin McQuillan, and several dear nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her sister Shirley (John) Allen and sisters-in-law Jill Cook and Lynda McQuillan. Sandy will be remembered most for her generous nature, kind heart and warm smile. She touched the lives of countless people whether it be while working at Attica Elementary School as a "Special Friends" counselor for 23 years or her time as a "Vidlerette" working at Vidler's in East Aurora for over 24 years. Sandy created special connections wherever she went. She and Tom attended Baker Memorial UMC for over 45 years, where she was an alto member of the church choir, directed the children's choir, taught the Children's Moments, and was the alto section leader for the Christmas performances of "Handel's Messiah". Sandy never showed up anywhere empty-handed or without a smile. She probably single handily kept the post office afloat with her pen pal skills. Her powerful prayers were felt by many, and her friendships ran deep. Sandy and her true love, Tom spent many special moments together traveling to see family in Long Island, spending weekends in one of their favorite places Skaneateles, NY, attending Broadway Shows at Shea's Performing Arts Theatre, watching her beloved Buffalo Bills and NY Mets, and raising their 2 sons and 4 grandchildren. Jay, Brian, Brennan, Keira, Sean and Matthew were her pride and joy, bragging to anyone who would listen about how blessed she was to have them in her life. She often reminded her daughter in laws, Lisa and Meg that they were her "daughters" in every way not her "daughters in law". She loved watching her family do the things they loved and supported them every step of the way by being their biggest fan. Sandy showered all those she cared for with kindness and love. She was a role model for how to treat others and would want us to carry on loving one another and leading our lives with kindness and love at the center of all we do. Our family would like to thank everyone for all the prayers and caring support that Sandy received during this very difficult time. The hundreds of cards, beautiful flowers, visits and words of encouragement were an amazing tribute to the amount of love Sandy gave. A special thank you to her close friends Bonnie and Sandy for all their help, to all her nurses, doctors, and caretakers at Buffalo General and The Gateway Home in Attica for making Sandy feel comfortable and safe as she made her journey home to the Lord. There will be a Memorial Service held on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 11:00am at The Baker Memorial UMC in East Aurora, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Baker Memorial UMC or The Gateway Comfort Home in Attica. Arrangements by: CASTIGLIA FUNERAL HOME, INC., 824-6435. Please share your condolences at: www.castigliafuneralhome.com