Sandra Lambert

Sandra Lambert, 73, passed away in her Visalia home on May 13, 2023. A beloved mother, grandmother, sister, niece and friend, Sandi was predeceased by husband James (“Jim”) and is survived by children Keli Lambert, Christopher Lambert (Erin), Aaron Lambert (Cynthia) and Jenifer Rodriguez (Mike); and grandchildren Ethan, Kya, Reese, Hayden, Jillian, Ellie, Casey and James.

Born June 7, 1949, to Bonnie Ruth Tankersley and Louis Allen Pilgrim, Sandi grew up in Stockton and graduated from Lincoln High School. She was active in the Mormon church, where she met Jim, whose gregarious personality balanced out Sandi’s quiet nature. To some, she may have appeared shy, but once a friendship was established she could show her true self: witty, loyal, caring and kind.

She and Jim married Jan. 17, 1970, and moved to Provo, Utah, where Jim attended BYU and Sandi was warned off campus more than once for wearing a miniskirt. The pair spent many weekends in Park City riding horses and skiing. After he graduated, they moved home to Stockton and started their family, settling in Visalia in the mid-1970s.

Sandi was artistic; her sewing machine was often put to work making clothes for her children and their toys, and she loved driving her VW bug to shop in San Francisco, often returning with ideas for styles that she’d recreate at home. She was the go-to person for friends seeking interior decorating tips, and she often made crafts, from holiday wreaths to needlepoint. Her children recall her homemade strawberry jam and pickles.

Sandi was a voracious reader; family always knew a Danielle Steel novel would be a welcome present. Popular family trips included Carmel, Santa Cruz and Lake Tahoe. As her children started their own families, she played, read and traveled with her grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. May 23, under the care of Smith Family Chapel.

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