Sandra K. (Brookens) Ropiza

Sandra K. Ropiza (Brookens), 65, of Red Lion, beloved partner to Mark Eckenrode passed in peace on Thursday April 9, 2020 after a brief battle with cancer. The youngest of 8 children, born on April 30, 1954 to the late Alvin N. and Lucille C. Brookens and proceeded in death by daughter Stacy M. Mills, sister Shirley Olmstead, brothers; Raymond, Gary and Ronald Brookens, and surviving siblings; Anson Brookens, Diane Bilbay and Alvin (Jim) Brookens. The birth and death of this great mother, grandmother, sister, beloved partner and dear friend, however, is not nearly as relevant as all the fun days and crazy nights that she lived to the fullest between those two dates. Her family and friends knew her for her comedic side, quick wit and contagious laughter all of which are a famous family trait passed down and to be carried on undoubtedly. Sandy’s greatest enjoyment came from spending summer days and nights camping and sitting by the campfire with friends, watching and photographing hummingbirds and a lover of all things related to the Wizard of Oz. Left behind to carry on Sandy’s legacy are her daughters, Barbara Myers of Carlisle and Heather Mills-Wiederhold of Auburn, granddaughters; Aleksandra Bullock, Amy Dorsey and Elizabeth Hildebrand, grandson Owen Anthony, great-granddaughter Zahara and many nieces and nephews whom she adored tremendously. Sandy will be dearly missed by many and we can find comfort knowing that she is somewhere over the rainbow, way up high, where skies are blue and the dreams that she dared to dream have really come true, she can wish upon stars and wake up where the clouds are far behind her. Where her troubles melt like lemon drops, away above the chimney tops, that’s where we’ll find her. A viewing will be private at Life Tributes by Olewiler & Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Red Lion. Burial will be handled at a later date at North Bend Cemetery North Bend, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in her name to Hospice and Community Care, 4075 Old Harrisburg Pike, Mount Joy, PA 17552.