Debra Ann Sando

In Loving Memory of Debra Ann "Deb" Sando Debra Ann "Deb" Sando, 76, of Savage, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2026, surrounded by her family. Deb lived a life filled with kindness, laughter, generosity, and deep faith. A loving sister, aunt, neighbor, and friend, she had a gift for making people feel welcome. Whether she was tending her garden, baking banana bread, brownies, and other goodies to share with neighbors, or telling one of her many stories, Deb brought warmth wherever she went. She never met a conversation she could not join or a story she could not tell. Born July 26, 1950, in Grafton, North Dakota, Deb was the daughter of Norris and Roseann Sando. She grew up in Grafton alongside her siblings Ron, Bob, Linda, and Karen. Deb graduated as valedictorian from Grafton High School in 1968 and went on to earn her degree in elementary education from the University of North Dakota in 1972. After graduation, Deb moved to the Twin Cities and began the teaching career that became her life's work. A longtime third-grade teacher in the Burnsville School District, she inspired generations of students with her patience, encouragement, and care. She especially loved teaching math, sharing her love of nature, and helping children learn to treat one another with kindness and respect. Outside the classroom, Deb enjoyed gardening, entertaining, reading, working estate sales, and taking spontaneous adventures with her dear friends. Even during her final months, she held on to her bright spirit and positive outlook, leaning on her deep faith. After barely eating for some time, Deb requested ice cream with hot fudge and caramel at 8:30 in the morning-her last meal, which she proudly called "the breakfast of champions." Deb's mom Roseann always said Deb was born with a smile. Deb herself said she would leave with one. As she took her last breath, she did just that-a peaceful and beautiful gift to her family, and proof that she was at peace. Deb is survived by her siblings Robert Sando, Linda Goulet, and Karen Walz (DuWayne); sister-in-law Karen Sando; and her nieces and nephews Todd (Lunette) Sando, Brad (Terri) Sando, Paul (Jean) Sando, Susan (Boyd) Hemphill, Nikki (Albert) Jordan, Angelique Goulet, Danielle Goulet, Brian (Stacy) Walz, and Beth (Eric) Nelson. She was also dearly loved by 20 great-nieces and great-nephews, as well as many friends and neighbors who will miss her deeply. She was preceded in death by her parents, Norris and Roseann Sando; her brother, Ron Sando; brother-in-law Jack Goulet; and sister-in-law Ilze Sando. A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 22, at 11:00 a.m. at Christus Victor Lutheran Church in Apple Valley, Minnesota, with a reception to follow. A livestream will be available on the Christus Victor Lutheran Church Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@christusvictorlutheranchur7463/featured In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Deb's name to Little Hospice of Edina, Minnesota.

Debra Ann Sando

July 26, 1950 - August 14, 2026

Explore Obituaries &
Upcoming Services