By Martha StoelTing
Staff Writer

One of the first friends I made when we moved back to Syracuse almost 29 years ago was Sandy Cobbum. At that time, she lived in our neighborhood at Syracuse Lake.

Sandy had such a wonderful smile that lit up wherever she was and she naturally drew people to her. She was one of those folks you were always happy to see. She defined with words friend and helper.

Since her death Sunday, Nov. 10, many people have shared on Facebook the most beautiful stories about her. Words like supportive, kind, welcoming appeared over and over. Everyone commenting felt the loss keenly and was sure Sandy was already having a most wonderful time in heaven. 

Sandy used social media to its best purposes. Her posts on Facebook were like visiting with her in person. They were always so positive with uplifting comments, care and concern. She had a legion of folks playing Words With Friends online with her. And she was so sharp. I don’t think I ever won a game with her.

Another aspect of her life that stood out was her love of children, which her 13 grandchildren can certainly attest to. They certainly were held in high esteem by their loving grandmother. Sandy was the special needs job coach for Wawasee High School when I had the flower shop. Through her skills she placed more than one young person to help out, bringing them to work, picking them up and counseling both the employer and the employee.

Sandy was dedicated to Lakeland Kiwanis Club of North Webster and Kiwanis youth service organizations at the elementary, middle school and high school levels for 25 years. For this service to the community she received the Distinguished Member Award from Kiwanis International in April.

The love of the lake ran throughout her life. Her family came from Muncie to Wawasee when she was growing up and she and husband Owen lived lake front for most of their married life. Sandy became a dedicated participant in the Thunder Run Wooden Boat events each Sunday morning during the summer season. She asked many to join her on the exciting boat trips around the lake earning money for charity, taking photos of the weekly events and just enjoying the lake and fellowship. The last thing she and Owen did together was go out on Lake Wawasee.

The mother of four children, Cathy Ticen, Christy Downey, Cindy Parent and Craig Cobbum, family was at the top of Sandy’s list. She joyfully told of attending different grandchildren and children’s events and activities and looked forward to visiting with them whenever possible.

Daughter Cathy Ticen is putting together a memory book to celebrate Sandy’s life. It will eventually be a free download on iTunes. She asked if you have photos and memories of Sandy and are fine with them being included to email them to her, ckticen@mac.com.

Our community lost a wonderful member with Sandy’s passing. She will be well remembered for her loving and kind nature by several generations.

She leaves a beautiful legacy in the family she and Owen created.