Sande Kreinest

OBITUARY: Sandra Faye Chatfield Kreinest Sandra Fay Chatfield Kreinest: March 28, 1934 – August 18, 2023 Known to her friends as Sande, entered God’s Kingdom on August 18, 2023, in Jacksonville, FL due to natural causes. A funeral will be held on September 27, 2023, at 10:00am, at St. Joseph’s Historic Catholic Church, 4214 Loretto Road, Jacksonville, FL. Fr. Donal Sullivan will officiate. She was born on March 28, 1934, in Hoosick, NY. Preceding her death: Her husband, Jim Kreinest; Parents, Allison and Hazel Chatfield; Sister Judith Chatfield; Grandson, Michael Zumwalde. Surviving Children: Susan (Richard) Zumwalde, Pamela Kreinest, David (Christine) Kreinest, Joan (Charles) Campbell, Judith (Steve) Robbins, and Michael (Kelly) Kreinest. 14 Grandchildren: Laura (Ryan) Griffin, Abigail (Matt) Wilcox, Heather and April Zumwalde, Daniel and Sarah Kreinest, Caroline and Hillary Campbell, Heather (Jay) Lewis, Emily Robbins, Chatfield, Price, and Hadley Kreinest. 10 Great-grandchildren: Tanner, Lily, Logan and Tate Griffin, Anna Zumwalde, Evie Claire Whidden, Matty and Jake Wilcox, Reagan and Peyton Lewis. And her beloved dog, Molly. Sande was a loving wife for 68 years, devoted mother, great friend, an excellent nurse and a conscientious citizen. She was the happiest when she had all her family together for the holidays. Sande always wanted to be a Nurse. She began her nursing classes at the age of 16 after moving into a Boarding School for nursing students. After she graduated from high school, she attended a USO at which she met Jim. They were married and quickly started a family. She had to put her plans on hold until all her children completed school. In the meantime, she enjoyed family and playing cards with good friends, Bob and Liz Wingate, playing tennis, learning to play the organ, singing and competing with Sweet Adelines’ Choir, gardening, shopping and having garage sales, cooking, working as a Sacristan at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, organizing the Attic Treasures booth at the church Bazaars, and writing letters to the editor, with solutions to problems she noticed in her community. At age 54, she completed her nursing training and began her nursing practice at Orange Park Hospital. After two years, she accepted a new position at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Jacksonville, on the Medical/Surgical floor. From there, she transferred to Short Stay, until she retired at 71 years young. Sande dreamed of living in a beautiful home on a mountain with a view. Jim spent two years building their dream home and vacation destination for which she referred to as their “Piece of Heaven” in Franklin, NC. She created an amazing rose garden, took care of their beautiful home, and volunteered at CareNet, organizing donations and helping in the thrift store. When the love of her life was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Decease, they moved back to Orange Park, FL to be near her children and their support. After 12 years, Jim went home to God’s Kingdom. Two years later, Sande lost the ability to care for herself. Her family was blessed with help from compassionate caregivers (especially Elaine and Tasha). Sande is reunited with Jim in heaven, watching over her family and, most likely, organizing Heaven.