Sandra Fay Niven

Sandra Fay Niven, age 83. Doting Aunt to Dana LaValle (Frank) and Travis Grinstein. Loving Sister-in-Law to Sidney Grinstein. Sandra is preceded in death by her parents, Harry William and Lillian Livine Theiss (nee Gates), her first son Chet Allen M. Bartens, her second son Cordell Rand Fields, and her baby sister Connie Renie Grinstein.

 Sandra was born in Wheeling, WV, on May 22, 1941. She dreamed of one day having a sibling and was thrilled when her sister, Connie, was born in 1945. As little girls do, they bickered from time to time throughout their childhood, but the older they got, the closer they became. 

 Sandra was a beautician, affectionately known as "The Hair Doc" in her hometown. Her salon was bustling with the happy faces of regular customers, who often became lifelong friends. She took great pride in styling hair. Even after retiring, she maintained her license for many years to secure her discount at Sally's, and she always brought her "tools of the trade" when traveling. Sandra's family and friends knew who to turn to if they wanted to look beautiful for a special occasion. Her brother-in-law, Sid, considered her his favorite barber for 57 years.

 In 1963, Sandra gave birth to a gorgeous baby boy who, tragically, was stillborn. He was named Chet Allen Bartens. Sandra carried her love for that baby her entire life. Having lost Chet on the day of his birth, her bond with her second son was something she never took for granted. In 1966, Cordell Rand Fields was born. Cordell was Sandra's pride and joy. 

 Between the sad times, there were many years filled with joy. In the late 1980s, Cordell persuaded Connie and Sid, with their two children (Dana and Travis), to settle in Ohio, only two and a half hours away from Sandra's home. This move brought the family much closer (in proximity) and allowed for Sandra, or Aunt Sandi, as Dana and Travis called her, to spend holidays and birthdays with her loved ones. She would bring her and Connie's Mom along for visits, carrying tins full of homemade cookies. Sandra's arms overflowed with Christmas packages from "Aunt Sandi Clause," with her exquisite penmanship on the gift tags. Cordell would help his Mom get situated and then take her and his Aunt to his favorite places in the city. Sandra stayed involved in Dana's and Travis' lives and often made special trips to attend dance recitals and/or tee-ball games. She was there to style Dana's hair on her wedding day and was thrilled to welcome Dana's husband, Frank, into the family. Connie would visit Sandra's home when she could, and they made wonderful memories together, catching up with friends and watching the Fourth of July fireworks over the Ohio River.

 On April 27, 2007, Cordell lost his life in a fire. Sandra spent the rest of her life consumed with heartache and never fully recovered. 

 In 2024, when Connie's health was failing, Sandra visited for the last time. Connie sadly passed away after a very short battle with cancer. Sandra stayed to help Sid and Travis adjust after such a devastating loss. She had plans to return home in the early Spring. Unfortunately, Sandra passed away only seven months after her sister.

 Her friends have said she was beautiful, with a brilliant mind, a keen sense of humor, and goodness - she knew how to talk for hours! Sandra enriched the lives of everyone she knew. She had a generous spirit and a contagious laugh. She will be tremendously missed by all, including her sweet dog, Pippin, who followed her everywhere she went.