The family of Sandra (Sandi) Ellen (Mills) Brogger of Lowell, MI is saddened to announce her passing, after a courageous battle with Cancer, on July 2 at the age of 68 years. She was preceded in death by her father, Delbert Mills, nephew, Matthew Barsamian, and in-laws, George and Helen Brogger. She is survived by her husband, Eric (Ric) Brogger and daughter, Lindsey (Brogger) Bosserd and son-in-law Steve Bosserd; mother, Patricia (McCarthy) Mills; four sisters, Kathy Calverly (John), Sheryl Frabotta (Tony), Bev Barsamian (Jeff), and Debby Basso (Mike); Brothers and Sisters-in-law, Laurie Brogger, Amy Brogger, Dan Brogger, Pat and Tom Mester, and Mary Brogger; Goddaughter, Alaina Basso, numerous nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and nephews and dear friend Carmen Smith.
The Mills family grew up in Southfield, Michigan. Sandi was the second-born daughter in a family of five girls, and the beloved daughter of Del and Pat. In High School, Sandi excelled in Art Classes, especially drawing and jewelry-making. After graduation, she moved to Grand Rapids and met the love of her life, Ric Brogger. Sandi and Ric married in September 1975 and were overjoyed to welcome their baby, Lindsey Ellen, in April 1978.
Sandi, Ric and Lindsey created a lovely life for themselves in Grand Rapids. They lived both in Ada and in Lowell. Sandi perfected her cooking skills, and canned countless jars of jams, jellies and pickles which she shared and her family all gleefully consumed.
A few months after Ric, Sandi, and Lindsey moved into their new home, Lindsey married the love of her life, Steve Bosserd. Lindsey and Steve bought a house nearby, and the four of them spent much time together.
Sandi worked for many years as Sales Operations Manager at Guardsman Products/Valspar. She loved her job and the people she worked with and retired in 2013 after Ric retired in 2008.
Sandi approached every single thing she did with an artistic eye. In retirement, Sandi’s art was her vocation. It was her desire to create something beautiful every day. She could often be found selling her art pieces on the weekends at Art Fairs in the Lowell/Ada area.
In 2017 and 2018, two of Sandi’s art pieces were accepted into the famous Grand Rapids Art Prize competition. She was even asked to display her work at a local restaurant, Bliss & Vinegar. At the suggestion of her dear friend and great artist Mary Marin, she joined the Grand Valley Artists’ Association where she was encouraged by her painter friends to explore painting in the outdoors — “en plein aire” — similar to the techniques utilized by Monet and his friends. She never stopped learning or trying to improve her technique. Sandi always thought of others first and spread joy wherever she went. Sandi could often be found to bring snacks or care-packages to her fellow cancer patients and nurses. Her smile, positive attitude, and love for life will be missed.
A special thank you to the countless doctors and nurses that provided exceptional care, especially Sarah, during her chemo treatments.
A gathering of friends and family will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2021 from 12-4 PM at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids MI 49546. Deacon Jim Thorndill will share a message at 2 PM. Memorial contributions in Sandi’s name can be made to the Matthew David Barsamian Foundation at mdb76foundation.org/donation/ or mailed to Spectrum Health Hospice at 750 Fuller Ave NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
18 Responses
I will miss you Sandi. Your spontaneity, love for life, and gracious beauty. The world lost an incredible contribution, but, the heavens gained a brilliant star. I’ll think of you as I look into the evening sky. Be at peace, my lovely friend.
Much love to your families as we remember and celebrate Sandi! What a beautiful woman.
Rest well my dear friend. Your smile and loving heart will stay with me all my life.
Lindsey & Family-
I am so very sorry for the loss of your Mom. We are never prepared for that loss.
Your Mom was such a wonderful & kind woman. Her smile was always contagious. You & your family are in my thoughts. May God give you the strength & understanding in this time of mourning. This is not goodbye, it’s until we meet again.
My condolences to Sandy’s family. I only met her a few times, but she was a lovely person. The world is missing another beautiful soul.
Sandi was such a beautiful friendly person. She was one of the first people that I bonded with at Valspar. She was always upbeat and positive in all she did. I am so saddened to hear of her passing. Lindsey and family, you have my deepest heartfelt sympathy. Praying for strength in the days ahead and may she continue to bring you joy in the sweet memories that you made. God bless you all!
Thank you for brightening the world with your art, your hospitality, your laughter. You made the world a better place. You will be dearly missed my friend. ❤️
My very dear Sandi–I have known you long and know that you have suffered always and never gave up. May the Lord hold you gently and tenderly. Blessings for you and your Family.
Sandi’s love of family and friends, along with her love of art will always be a part of those who knew her. She was an inspiration to me and always will be! Until I see you again my friend
Although I did not know Sandi but for a few years, it seems like we were friends from the moment we met. She was always smiling, always kind, deliciously sarcastic and at times a bit naughty. What was not to like. Creativity flowed through her, evident from the volume of work she produced. Sincere condolences to Ric, Lindsey and Sandi’s entire family. Her GVA family will miss her too.
When Sandy joined GVA and started coming to our sketch groups she was a natural fit. Her sense of humor, her creative energy and enthusiasm were inspiring. Even when she was in treatment and was dealing with pain she still had a smile and a friendly word for everyone. She was a strong and beautiful woman.
So very sad for your loss, Ric, and Lindsey & family. May these memories and prayers comfort you a bit.❤️
May God’s pure love surround you, Sandi. You knew how to love people. Your presence anywhere was such a gift! Thank you for your friendship and love! I look forward to seeing you and hugging you tightly again, where there is no pain or sorrow.
Until then, Lord have mercy on us.. ❤️
Sheryl, we are so sorry for the loss of your beautiful sister Sandi. We are sending prayers and love to you and your entire family!❤️❤️ Love, The Blakely‘s
I was impressed with her willingness to pitch-in and help in a variety of ways for GVA. A rare trait, that is refreshing to see, especially in a new member.
Lindsey,
I hope the wonderful memories of Sandi bring you and your family comfort at this difficult time. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Ric, so sorry for your loss… much to soon ..Sandy always had a smile on her face and in her heart.. our condolences go out to you and your family.
Lindsey,
I am so sorry to hear of Sandi’s passing. I will always remember her big smile and upbeat personality! Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Rick and Lindsey
What a beautiful Soul your Sandi is. I will always remember her Beautiful Smile, Generosity, and Immenise Talent. Much Love!
Susan Smith