Sandra Jo Leach, of Mesa, AZ, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2025. Born on August 16, 1948, in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, Sandy lived a vibrant life filled with adventure, creativity, and a youthful spirit that never faded. In fact, she was shocked to realize just this year that she was a senior citizen and had been for 12 years—a testament to her boundless energy and zest for life.
Sandy spent over 30 years in Minneapolis, where she and her husband, Wayne Leach, whom she was married to for more than 30 years until his passing in 2001, raised two daughters. While Sandy worked as a hairdresser, her true passions lay in sewing and crafting, where she poured her heart into creating beautiful, handmade treasures. Over 20 years ago, she moved to Arizona, where she embraced year-round sunshine and a new chapter of adventures. Never one to shy away from a challenge, she once made headlines at her last job by helping catch a thief—a story that perfectly captured her spirited and determined nature. Sandy’s love for shopping and travel took her to many places, with a special place in her heart for Hawaii, where she soaked up the island’s beauty and aloha spirit on many visits. Her appreciation for the finer things—like the elegance of a grand piano, the sleek power of an IROC Camaro, and the free-spirited rumble of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle—reflected her bold and vibrant personality. She also enjoyed the thrill of playing cards and the competitive spirit of tennis, adding to her lively character. Sandy’s open heart and infectious enthusiasm allowed her to easily make friends, and she always cherished the Arizona AA family for both friendships and support.
Sandy was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Leach, and her parents, Bob and JoAnn Protz. She leaves behind her loving daughters, Marley (Bob) and Michelle Leach; her great-grandsons, Beau and Gabe Lee; and her beloved siblings, Patti (Fred) Irvin, Kate Ryan, and Mike Protz. Her warmth, humor, and knack for making everyone feel like family will be deeply missed.
A celebration of Sandy’s life will be held on Friday, October 3 at 1 PM at the Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather, share stories, and honor the woman who meant so much to so many. Though our hearts ache in her absence, we are forever grateful for the gift of her life, her love, and the memories she leaves behind. Sandy will be deeply missed but never forgotten. In lieu of flowers the family would like donations to be sent The Salvation Army or a charity of your choice.
Sandy was one of my best friends! Our favorite time together besides AA recovery was going to the movies together! It took us a good 20 minutes to get our popcorn buttered and get settled in our seats! We had tons of fun together and I will miss her sooooo much!
May her memories live on in the hearts she touched. We gre up a couple blocks from each other. We went to Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls MN. Sandy started working for me at Val Vista RV Resort, Mesa AZ She brought so much joy and laughter to our office. Never a dull moment. Sandy will b missed. Her friendship will always b close to our hearts. ❤️❤️
Rest in peace my friend ❤️
Marley, Michelle, siblings and families,
Sandy was a dear friend of mine for over 40 years. We shared so much over the years from watching the kids grow up, holiday dinners, trips, golf games, cards, shopping, weddings. I will miss her infectious laughter, our heartfelt phone calls, her zest for a fun time.
I was lucky enough to get her to sew me a few garments that I can wear and carry her close to me.
My sympathies to you all .
Jan Turk
RIP Sandy, fly with the angles to a beautiful person
Michele and Marley I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart is breaking but I’m sure she’s is in Wayne’s arms for everlasting life
Sandy was a good neighbor, we lived besideeachother for 22 years.
she was always there for you.
Al & Alice Brands
Sandy was my sweet and fun pool friend. She was a great swimmer for sure. I met Sandy during Covid at the Springwood pool. Her and I laughed so much when a group of us stayed after closing, and the security guards came to kick us all out. Over the last years I saw my pool friend coming and going and we would visit. I saw Sandy, for the first time, in over a year, in August of this year. Her and I caught up in the pool talking for a couple hours. Dear God, I know you have received precious Sandy into your wonderful home. I am extremely sorry for each and every one of you who have lost her in your lives.
Michelle. So sorry to hear about your mother‘s passing. It’s so difficult to lose a mother. I know this first hand. I miss my mother every single day.
Reading about you mother she sounds like an amazing woman, so fun, talented, full of love. I am sure she will be greatly missed. She was way too young and had more life to live and enjoy. Sending you love and thoughts, Kathy Young.
Oh how she loved a good game of Rummikub! Instead of what would Jesus do, we would say “What would Sandy do!” Until we play together again sweet friend!
I will miss Sandy’s Smile, Laugh and Friendship. I worked with Sandy at VVV, and got to know her very well. Sandy always had a smile and positive attitude, I’ll miss our chats and her advice. Prayers of comfort for the family, God Bless you Sandy!
I met Sandy about 15 years ago at Freestone Park listening to music. From then on we became friends and went out to listen to music, we liked eating out for lunch or dinner. We went a few years back to Savannah Georgia and enjoyed the history, somewhere I never would of gone but loved it. Went to Laughlin and I joked she played penny poker slots but loved it. On of our last concerts we went to was at Casino AZ before she got sick. There were a group of us four that would hang out together. I saw her right after her birthday in August went to pick her up to go to lunch but she wasn’t feeling up to it, kept saying as soon as I feel better, we always went out for a birthday lunch. She will truely be missed, but I know she’s dancing with Wayne someone she always talked about and missed. She loved her kids and her family. Trips with Marley and sewing with Michelle, we had to make a date on Saturdays to go out cause she had to get that sewing in with Michelle. Miss you my friend.
It’s been a rough couple of months. I celebrate my 10 years of recovery today with a heavy heart 💔! My AA sponsor is in her last days of life and the thought of her passing is my reminder of living each day to the fullest. We worked hard over the last 3+ years. We studied the Big Book from start to finish, I did another 4th & 5th, we danced, went to concerts, hung out, watched movies, golfed, bowled, etc. Most importantly we took care of each other! I remember us making a conscious decision to improve our relationships with others. This meant setting aside our thoughts & values to listen with respect to everyone’s opinions. We decided to Love Anyway! The unconditional love that is found in the rooms of AA. Listening to Sandy’s experience, strength, and hope I learned how to trust in my higher power, I learned how to give grace to the most vulnerable, I learned that my honesty would keep me alive and present, I learned that I didn’t need validation from anyone but myself, I learned that being an authentic person would mean more pain, but with the pain would also come growth. I learned my pain isn’t special or different from anyone else’s, and most importantly I learned that love is a limitless load. I was willing to listen & learn. I will never forget one of the most influential, kind, respectful, loving, and her absolute reminder to stay in this 24 hours. You will be missed my dear friend but never forgotten! Live, Love, Laugh 💙🙏💙🙏
Sandy was one of my best friends! Our favorite time together besides AA recovery was going to the movies together! It took us a good 20 minutes to get our popcorn buttered and get settled in our seats! We had tons of fun together and I will miss her sooooo much!
May her memories live on in the hearts she touched. We gre up a couple blocks from each other. We went to Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls MN. Sandy started working for me at Val Vista RV Resort, Mesa AZ She brought so much joy and laughter to our office. Never a dull moment. Sandy will b missed. Her friendship will always b close to our hearts. ❤️❤️
Rest in peace my friend ❤️
Marley, Michelle, siblings and families,
Sandy was a dear friend of mine for over 40 years. We shared so much over the years from watching the kids grow up, holiday dinners, trips, golf games, cards, shopping, weddings. I will miss her infectious laughter, our heartfelt phone calls, her zest for a fun time.
I was lucky enough to get her to sew me a few garments that I can wear and carry her close to me.
My sympathies to you all .
Jan Turk
RIP Sandy, fly with the angles to a beautiful person
Michele and Marley I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart is breaking but I’m sure she’s is in Wayne’s arms for everlasting life
Sandy was a good neighbor, we lived besideeachother for 22 years.
she was always there for you.
Al & Alice Brands
Sandy was my sweet and fun pool friend. She was a great swimmer for sure. I met Sandy during Covid at the Springwood pool. Her and I laughed so much when a group of us stayed after closing, and the security guards came to kick us all out. Over the last years I saw my pool friend coming and going and we would visit. I saw Sandy, for the first time, in over a year, in August of this year. Her and I caught up in the pool talking for a couple hours. Dear God, I know you have received precious Sandy into your wonderful home. I am extremely sorry for each and every one of you who have lost her in your lives.
Michelle. So sorry to hear about your mother‘s passing. It’s so difficult to lose a mother. I know this first hand. I miss my mother every single day.
Reading about you mother she sounds like an amazing woman, so fun, talented, full of love. I am sure she will be greatly missed. She was way too young and had more life to live and enjoy. Sending you love and thoughts, Kathy Young.
Oh how she loved a good game of Rummikub! Instead of what would Jesus do, we would say “What would Sandy do!” Until we play together again sweet friend!
I will miss Sandy’s Smile, Laugh and Friendship. I worked with Sandy at VVV, and got to know her very well. Sandy always had a smile and positive attitude, I’ll miss our chats and her advice. Prayers of comfort for the family, God Bless you Sandy!
I met Sandy about 15 years ago at Freestone Park listening to music. From then on we became friends and went out to listen to music, we liked eating out for lunch or dinner. We went a few years back to Savannah Georgia and enjoyed the history, somewhere I never would of gone but loved it. Went to Laughlin and I joked she played penny poker slots but loved it. On of our last concerts we went to was at Casino AZ before she got sick. There were a group of us four that would hang out together. I saw her right after her birthday in August went to pick her up to go to lunch but she wasn’t feeling up to it, kept saying as soon as I feel better, we always went out for a birthday lunch. She will truely be missed, but I know she’s dancing with Wayne someone she always talked about and missed. She loved her kids and her family. Trips with Marley and sewing with Michelle, we had to make a date on Saturdays to go out cause she had to get that sewing in with Michelle. Miss you my friend.
It’s been a rough couple of months. I celebrate my 10 years of recovery today with a heavy heart 💔! My AA sponsor is in her last days of life and the thought of her passing is my reminder of living each day to the fullest. We worked hard over the last 3+ years. We studied the Big Book from start to finish, I did another 4th & 5th, we danced, went to concerts, hung out, watched movies, golfed, bowled, etc. Most importantly we took care of each other! I remember us making a conscious decision to improve our relationships with others. This meant setting aside our thoughts & values to listen with respect to everyone’s opinions. We decided to Love Anyway! The unconditional love that is found in the rooms of AA. Listening to Sandy’s experience, strength, and hope I learned how to trust in my higher power, I learned how to give grace to the most vulnerable, I learned that my honesty would keep me alive and present, I learned that I didn’t need validation from anyone but myself, I learned that being an authentic person would mean more pain, but with the pain would also come growth. I learned my pain isn’t special or different from anyone else’s, and most importantly I learned that love is a limitless load. I was willing to listen & learn. I will never forget one of the most influential, kind, respectful, loving, and her absolute reminder to stay in this 24 hours. You will be missed my dear friend but never forgotten! Live, Love, Laugh 💙🙏💙🙏