Waconia, MN - Sandra "Sandy" Kay Jambeck (Falkman, nee Latchaw) of Minnetonka, born 12/27/1944 passed away at the age of 80 on July 14th after a long and hard fought battle with pancreatic cancer. Sandy loved to travel, go on walks (especially at the arboretum) and was an avid reader. But nothing brought her more joy than spending time with her good friends and family.

Sandy valued education and worked to obtain her BA and Master's Degree from the University of Minnesota, and was a beloved teacher in the Hopkins School District for over 25 years.

She was a dedicated mother to her two sons, her step-son and step daughter, and a doting grandmother to her 12 grandchildren.

Sandy was a loyal and devoted friend to many and not only kept in touch with old friends from high school but still made new friends regularly. She loved to be social and had a gift in her ability to surround herself with amazing people. She was always available to support her friends and family, and often received calls from everyone including nieces and nephews for advice and to chat. She was happiest when surrounded by her extended family as she was on the night before she passed in her sleep.

She is preceded in death by her mother Leora Latchaw (nee Geise) and father Ross Latchaw, her nephew Craig O'Brien and niece Kris O,Brien. She is survived by her husband, John Jambeck, her sister Barb O'Brien, her sons, Erik Falkman (and wife Emily) and Drew Falkman (and wife Jennifer Ellice). Her step son Jeff Jambeck (wife Tonya) and Laura Ablett (husband Matt) and all of her grandchildren, Haddy, Will, Audrey, Leif, Luna, Kaylee, Jenna, Garrett, Gavin, Izzy, Maria and Andrew, her sister Barb O'Brien and nieces Karin, Kim, Kristen and nephew Johan, along with all her friends whose relationships were so meaningful to her.

Sandy was a quiet warrior. She approached her life with strength and grace, and her kindness radiated to all who knew her. Her life is a reminder of the importance of taking care of the ones we love. A celebration of life will be hosted this autumn. Donations can be made in her name to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum at https://arb.umn.edu/support/donate or Checks to MN Landscape Arboretum, Attn : Tributes PO Box 860647, Minneapolis, MN 55486.