Sandra Leah Pelletier

Sandra Leah Pelletier, 85, of Carlisle, PA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Chapel Pointe Nursing Home.

Born in 1941, Sandra, along with her late sister Barbara, were the beloved daughters of Edward and Olga from Pawtucket, RI. Sandra pursued her passion for helping others by studying Speech Pathology at Cal State. She also earned her Governor’s Degree from BJ Lee Western Illinois University.

Sandra raised three wonderful children in Santa Monica, CA alongside her first husband, Louis. In the 1980s, as a newly single mother, she began working at Georgetown University Hospital and volunteered as a docent at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. It was there that she met James, the love of her life. Their shared passions for art, music, film, and extensive travel — especially cruising the world together — shaped a marriage that many admired throughout their 37 years together. Over the decades, Sandra and James made homes in the Washington, DC area, Illinois, California, and Pennsylvania. Together, they explored 82 countries across every continent, embracing each adventure with curiosity and joy.

Sandra will be remembered for her warmth, elegant style, artistic talent, quick wit, and boundless kindness. Even as Parkinson’s disease and dementia gradually limited her abilities, her gracious spirit never faded. In her later years, she received incredibly compassionate care at Chapel Pointe, where her devoted husband visited her nearly every day until her passing.

She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her. Surviving is her loving husband, James Oerding of Carlisle and her source of greatest pride, her children: Christopher (Chet) Pelletier, Michelle Pelletier, Noel Savasman and one grandchild, Hunter.

Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Chapel Pointe in her memory. Arrangements are being handled by Hollinger Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., Mt. Holly Springs.