Innis 'Sandy' DiSantis Sartorius Obituary (1926 - 2020)

Sandy DiSantis Sartorius, 93, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2020 in the Clear Lake area where she had lived for the past 55 years. Born in New Brockton, Alabama on June 9, 1926, she was the eldest child of William Jep and Elizabeth Lecompt Parrish. Sandy graduated from New Brockton High School and left to work for the railroad in Georgia in the early 1940's as one of the many Rosie the Riveters. After the war, she lived in New York City, attending Traphagen School of Fashion and working with dress designers. In the early 1950's she moved to Dallas to work for Neiman Marcus where she met Dr. Warren DiSantis on a blind date. They were married in 1952 and moved to Houston for his medical practice. In 1959 when her husband passed away, Sandy raised her daughter on her own and attended the University of Houston to study English. With her daughter grown, Sandy worked for Lockheed as a technical editor. She met Dr. Lester Sartorius at a social gathering, and they were happily married from 1976 until his death in 2000. They enjoyed traveling together and hosting events for Lester's colleagues at the University of Houston Clear Lake. Sandy was a charming and gracious woman of great poise, warmth, deep strength and courage. Her family and many lifetime friends were of utmost importance to her, and she was known for loving care in times of need and elegant hospitality in times of joy. She loved nothing more than to entertain and celebrate the joyous occasions and milestones in the lives of her family and friends. Sandy had a quick mind and was passionate about education and learning. She enjoyed cultural events and often attended the Houston Grand Opera. She also enjoyed tending to her garden and ending the day with an evening walk in her neighborhood. Sandy was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Rea Parrish Young; and her two husbands. She is survived by her loving family: daughter, Cathy DiSantis and husband, Dtaw Nampholsaen; brother, Lawaha Parrish; beloved nieces and nephews; stepsons Scott Sartorius and wife, Linda, Robert Sartorius and wife, Kathy, their children and grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at a later date at Clear Lake Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Cure Alzheimer's Fund, 34 Washington St., Suite 310, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481.