Sandy Mathew
January 21, 1954 ~ February 2, 2017
Sandy Mathew from Fargo, ND peacefully passed away on February 2, 2017 at the Mayo Methodist Hospital in Rochester, MN. She was surrounded by her loving family.
She leaves behind a legacy of love, patience, and faith.
Born on January 21st, 1954 in Fosston, MN, Sandy was the second of three children of Vernon and Ruby Wold. She had a wonderful childhood, growing up on a farm near her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. She attended Gully Grade School and graduated from Fosston High School. She received her Bachelor of Arts in special education from Moorhead State University. While in college, Sandy met a gregarious NDSU graduate student from India, named Prakash. They were married shortly thereafter and had a wonderful marriage of 40 years. They settled in Fargo and had two sons, Trevor and Chris; a family of Bison fans.
Sandy was driven by the love she had for others. With an unbelievably quick wit and unassuming approach, her love was always genuine and deep. From her entire extended family, to the students with emotional and behavioral disorders she taught for 30 years, to someone she may have just met for the first time, her love and positive attitude was instantly felt. Her heart was as big and beautiful as her smile.
Sandy’s 30 years as a special ed teacher brought her to several schools. She started her career at Central Cass in Casselton. She also taught at the Hoffman Learning Center in St. Peter, MN, the West Central Regional Juvenile Center in Moorhead, MN, and Moorhead High School. While teaching, she earned a degree in Emotional Behavioral Disorders (EBD).
Always calm and collected, her ability to handle stressful situations was unparalleled. She showed that the best way to care for those around her was to bring a steady hand, listen, and to gently guide the way. The patience she showed to her students – and family – will live on as an example for all.
Sandy’s deep faith in God played an important role in her life. She loved being a part of a Presbyterian Women Circle at First Presbyterian Church in Fargo and Bible Study Fellowship. While she wasn’t one to live with her faith on her sleeve, she believed in living with the principles of Christ. She showed her faith through caring love, patience, and by never passing negative judgement on anyone.
Sandy is survived by her mother, Ruby Wold, her husband Prakash, her sons Trevor (Emily) and Chris, her sister Joanne (Robert), brother Brad (Marie), and countless loving in-laws, nephews, and nieces all over the world. She was preceded in death by her father, Vernon Wold.
Sandy’s celebration of life will be on Monday, February 6th at 11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church in Fargo. Viewing will begin at 9:30 AM until the service begins. Lunch will be served afterwards.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be donated to First Presbyterian Church in Fargo or The NDSU Foundation – Prakash and Sandy Mathew Scholarship Fund.
Service Video
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
My deepest sympathy, Prakash and sons.
Dave Sola
We have been thinking about you and Sandy so much. Thank you for sharing her spirit with us all these years.
Our hearts are with all of you. The Winfrey.
With heartfelt sympathy on the loss of dear Sandy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Tom & Ann Riley.
Peace to you and your family, Prakash. So sorry for your loss.
Our deepest sympathies on the great loss of a wonderful person. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and the family. May she RIP!
So sorry to hear of Sandy’s loss. May God Bless your family and keep her precious memories of her love for others close to your hearts.
Prakash,
Sorry to hear about your loss. We are think about you and your sons.
So sorry for your loss, Prakash. Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Please accept my sincere sympathy. This is a difficult, sad time for your family. I know you are surrounded by love from all of your friends and the NDSU community. Take comfort in knowing how many care.
Sincerely,
Marie Bresciani
We are so sorry for your loss. May Sandy Rest In Peace Kenny Sampson
So saddened to learn of Sandy’s passing. She has the same bright smile on this photo that I remember. Always a happy smiling person. My sympathies to her family. Deb (Quam) Watne ( My dad and Vernon were cousins.)
Please accept my deep condolences, Prakash. I hope the love and support of family and friends helps you through the difficult days ahead.
Jon Carlson
Our deepest sympathy Prakash and family. Sending our love and wishes for peace knowing Sandy is in God’s hands.
Mary and I are deeply sorry for your loss.
My deepest sympathies. I so enjoyed the travel time with Sandy when we commuted to Arthur together back in 1980. She was a great role model for all teachers.
One day at work, Sandy and I were leaving a meeting together and I commented that she had glitter in her hair. She chuckled and replied that she had attended an NDSU event with Prakash the previous evening and that her top was glittery. She then commented that she wasn’t really a glitter kind of gal. I beg to differ. She had a sparkle from within like no one else I know. Rest In Peace dear Sandy. My sincere condolences to your lovely family.
You and your family are in my prayers, Prakash. Know your Region IV-West Family is thinking and praying for you and your family!
My deepest condolences Prakash and family. God be with you.
I am so sorry for your loss. You and Sandy’s family are in my prayers.
Dear Prakash and family,
I only met Sandy once and it was quite some time ago. I still remember her wonderful smile. Such a genuinely kind and gracious lady. My heart goes out to you and your during this difficult time of loss.
Prakash and Family,
Very sorry for your loss and wishing you the best.
Who can comprehend how those whom God takes so early are chosen? Does not the early death of young Christians always appear to us as if God were plundering his own best instruments in a time in which they are most needed? …Whomever God calls home is someone God has loved. “
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Pennie and I send our thoughts and prayers to your sons and you as you mourn yet celebrate Sandy’s life. The video is beautiful just as she was. May God bless the life of Sandy Matthew.
Mike & Pennie Humphrey
To Sandy’s Family
So sorry to read if Sandy’s death
I knew Sandy when I served as an advocate for students with special needs and enjoyed working with her at different school meetings.
You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
LaVerne Czichotzki
Our deepest sympathy to you Prakash and your family.
Prakash, we were deeply saddened by the news of your loss. Our most sincere condolences.
Prakash – So sorry to hear of Sandy’s passing. Thank God for the memories that we can hold onto.
Sincerely, Jayne Bancroft
Sandy was an amazing woman. I always enjoyed see her. The was a kind, compassionate person. She will be remembered by many. My prayers are with your family.
Teresa Tester
MJ Capelli
Prakash,
We are so very sorry to hear about Sandy. Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. Doris Lauf
My condolences to you and your sons Prakash. I am sorry that I will be unable to attend the services; my thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Prahash and family, Sandy has always provided the kindest consideration, warm thoughts, wonderful smile to all those who were around her. Whether it was a for a brief moment in a restaurant or Bison game, Sandy never wavered in how she displayed her affection and kindness to ALL. A truly wonderful woman who touched many, our deepest sympathy’s – Mike and Connie O’Leary, Fargo ND
Prakash,Trevor, Chris and family, Neil and I are so sorry to hear of Sandy’s passing. She was such a kind and giving person and we have fond memories of time spent with her. Our hearts go out to all of you and we will keep you in our prayers.
I got to meet both Sandy & Prakash while working for a local automobile dealership many years ago. I left that dealership and moved onto another vocation, but was fortunate to have met so many nice folks like the Mathew’s while employed there. Sandy really was a kind, calm, and understanding woman. I still remember her fondly. Also, its very clear that she had a deep Christian faith as mentioned in the obituary. I wasn’t aware of this back then, but after reading the obituary, it all makes sense. My deepest sympathies to you, Prakash, and also to your family. The world was made a better place having had Sandy in it.
Sincerely,
Paul Christianson
I would like to extend my sympathy to Sandy’s family. She was a member of our small group at BSF.
I had this wonderful woman as a teacher in a dark part of my life. She was always calm, always nice, and always helped me with my work. She gave me a wooden elephant when I left, and I still have it. My condolences to the family, may she rest in peace.
Sorry for your loss Prakash. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
You have my heartfelt sympathy, dear friends. Sandy was such a bright light and that light will be missed by all who knew her. May she rest in the peace of God’s grace.
Prakash and family — I recall meeting Sandy at many NDSU events and was always impressed with her smile and authenticity. She was a delight to be around and always showed such an interest in whatever activity she was attending. Peace and comfort to the entire family.
Prakash, I was so sorry to hear over the weekend of your loss. Our deepest sympathies to you, Trevor, Chris and your extended family. Praying for your peace, comfort and strength as you grieve your loss and celebrate Sandy’s life. Your video tribute was filled with so much love and joy; thank you for sharing those moments. God bless you all.
Prakash: I was very sad to hear of your loss. My sympathies to you and the rest of your family.
Ray Gerszewski
Our love and sympathy on your loss. May you be sustained with wonderful memories and the knowledge that Sandy is at peace and pain free. Just witnessed your photo tribute video and it confirmed a wonderful happy life and we all could want just that. Sending our hugs and love. May God hold you in his loving care.
My deepest condolence to you and your family Prakash. Sandy was such a sweet person.
Sarah Schaaf Ressler
Prakash, I am so sorry for you loss. Sandy always had that special spark which will be missed. Be surrounded by her special memories and the loved ones around you.
Prakash and family,
I am in Mexico and Bob is in a Nursing Home as you know. We are heartbroken about Sandy and truly wish we could be there for you. You have been so special to us and we your grief. Much Love to you at this sad time.
Prakash may Gid give you and your family love and strength during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Tarome Alford
Prakash,
Holly and I are praying for you and your family. So sorry for your loss.
Randy and Holly Hedge
Prakash,
Our thought are with you and your family at this sad time. Sandy was such a wonderful person — she will be missed by many.
Much sympathy,
How thoughtful of you to have a video of the service for those of us there in thought. I was at Sandy and Prakash’s wedding and she was even more beautiful than the pictures. I clearly remember her getting the sari from Prakash’s family, whom she clearly loved. Sandy was a wonderful friend in high school. No one in my family had attended college so I was unsure what it was about. However, her sister was in college so Sandy clarified for me what the college experience was like, making me less afraid to try to go. As a University administrator now I have often thought of how her kind words on long school bus rides really influenced my life. May her memory be for blessing.
what a beautiful tribute for Sandy. She left her mark with a beautiful family to carry on where she left off. She will not only be missed by her family but by the community as well. She was always one who gave everybody a smile an took the time to visit it didn’t matter who u were. Our thoughts an sympathy are with you all from all the staff at Mexican Village
I remember the day you visited my home after the birth of my Trevor. Bob and I remember very fondly attending your wedding. What a beautiful couple you were and continued to be. I had the honor of working with Sandy at Moorhead High School. Her commitment to the students was never surpassed by any other teacher! To know both of you has been and will continue to be an honor. Our prayers to you and your family.