Sandra Strang

Sandra Johanna Bodnar Strang passed away peacefully in the early hours of March 14, 2025, at home in Cary, NC, after a four-year battle with ovarian cancer.

Sandra was born on September 25, 1938, to Julia and Michael Bodnar at Margaret Hague Maternity Hospital in Jersey City, NJ. She spent her early childhood in Brooklyn, NY, while her father served as a Major in the United States Army during World War II. After the war ended, her father continued to serve and was stationed in Germany. Sandra and her mother relocated to Austria to be near him. Her parents instilled a love of travel as the family explored Europe extensively.

Upon returning stateside, the family returned to New York City. Sandra graduated from Our Lady of Wisdom Academy in 1956. She then attended Bellevue School of Nursing, graduating in December 1959. Shortly after, Sandra passed the State Boards and became a Registered Nurse.

Much of her career was as a surgical nurse and OR supervisor at Northport VA Hospital. During the early part of her career, Sandra attended Long Island University at C.W. Post and graduated Suma Cum Laude in May 1979 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

In 1986, Sandra relocated to the Gainesville VA Hospital, where she was the Assistant to the Chief of Surgery until her retirement in 1995. During her retirement, Sandra enjoyed domestic and international travel, reading, and writing. She also became a Docent at the Harn Museum of Art at the University of Florida and an Ordained Reverend with Spirit of Truth in Gainesville, Florida.

Sandra and her husband, Charles, relocated to Cary, North Carolina, in September 2022 to be closer to their daughters, Nicole and Melissa.

Sandra was preceded in death by her mother, father, and sister, Teresa Ann Mowery. She is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Charles, daughters Nicole Strang and Melissa (Steve) Martin, stepson James Strang, and granddaughter Kelsey Martin.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life in the future.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation to the Gail Parkins Memorial Ovarian Cancer Walk in Sandra’s memory. Monies raised through the Gail Parkins Walk help fund ovarian cancer research at Duke Cancer Center.

https://www.supportdukehealth.org/site/TR/Ovarianwalk/OvarianAwareness?team_id=31494&pg=team&fr_id=2950

For additional information or for service details, please reach out to the family directly.