Sandra ‘Sandy’ Solchany Duffner

Sandra “Sandy” Solchany Duffner, 46, died Nov. 14 following a sudden illness.

Sandra Gail was born Oct. 6, 1960, in New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada, to Swanhild and Jerry Solchany.

She grew up first in Des Plaines, Ill., until the age of 10, then moved to Lake Stevens, Wash., attending Snohomish schools. She graduated from Snohomish High School in 1978.

She married Gary Duffner in 1979, moving with him to Bainbridge Island the following year.

Sandy and Gary had three sons together, Gary, Todd and Matthew. Sandy ran a daycare in her home while her boys were young so she could be a stay-at-home mom.

As the boys entered school, she became a regular presence in their classrooms and school activities, as well as being the weekly “popcorn lady” for many years.

She also coached the boys in Little League and as they got old enough for football, this became her passion. She was a prominent force in the Pee Wee Football Association, working as their registrar for several years. She was known for her organizational abilities and her enthusiasm for the players and the game.

Sandy began working for Consolidated Shippers on Bainbridge Island in 1998 as their office manager, working with people she enjoyed in a job she loved.

She was also an avid fisherwoman and crabber. She loved her children and enjoyed many different activities with them from beach trips, to hikes in the mountains, to family get-togthers, and skiing/snowboarding.

She was often labeled the “fun one” for her enthusiasm and sense of adventure was unparalleled.

She divorced in 2000.

She is preceded in death by her father, Jerry Solchany and her grandparents, Joseph and Anna Solchany and Nels and Johanna Soros.

Sandy is survived by her three sons, Gary, Todd, and Matthew Duffner; her mother, Swanhild Solchany; her sisters, JoAnne Solchany, Susan Hawley, and Diane Rogers; her brother in law, Dan Rogers; her six nephews and one niece, Josh, Justin, Anthony, Anna, Joey, Nick, and Ryan; her companion, Woody Houston; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

A celebration of life will be at 1 p.m. Nov. 21 at Solie Funeral Home, 3301 Colby Avenue, Everett. A reception will follow at the church hall of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church at 2619 Cedar Street, Everett, WA 98201.

Memorial contributions in Sandy’s memory can be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, supporting the dreams and wishes of children facing life-threatening medical conditions, at www.wish.org/help/donate or 811-1st Ave., Ste. 520, Seattle, WA 98104 or to a favorite children’s charity.