Sandra Fortino

Sandra L. Fortino, age 87, of Elkhart, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026 at Esther’s House Center for Hospice in Elkhart, IN. She was born on December 28, 1938 in Elkhart to Robert and Betty Warner. Sandy was raised most of her life by her grandma Hazel Johnson, while her father was at war honorably serving his country. Sandy married George Fortino on July 29, 1963 in Elkhart, IN together they celebrated over 58 years of marriage. George preceded her October 27, 2021.

Sandy graduated from Elkhart High School, class of 1956. She and her husband wintered in Naples, Florida. They also enjoyed listening to jazz music, dancing, and entertaining friends. Sandy was an amazing lady, she enjoyed cooking wonderful dishes for family and friends to enjoy. If someone was not feeling well, Sandy was known for making them a nice cozy spot. Her greatest love was spending time with her family and friends.

Sandy is survived by her children, Mark (Carol Fournier) Kemble of New Buffalo, MI and Jeanne Sawyer of Elkhart; grandchildren Ross (Amanda) Sawyer of FT. Wayne, IN., and Alexandra (Andy) Suever of Indianapolis, IN; great-grandchildren Leighton Sawyer, Lena Sawyer, Georgia Suever, Warren Sawyer, Goldie Suever, Scarlett Suever and Dean Sawyer; her sister-in-law Mary Jo (Jim) Kiefer of Naples, FL; cousin David Robison and several special nieces and nephews. Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Betty Warner; Aunt Marian Wade, daughter Christine “Chrissy” Ann Fortino and grandson Nicholas Sawyer and her siblings.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12pm on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church, Bristol, IN 46507 with visitation from 10 am until mass. Burial will follow at Oakridge Cemetery in Bristol, IN. Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart IN 46514 is assisting the Fortino family. Memorial donations in memory of Sandy may be made to the Center for Hospice Care – Esther’s House, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545 www.cfhcare.org or The Salvation Army, 300 North Main Street, Elkhart, IN 46516 www.centralusa.salvationarmy.org/elkhart Online condolences may be made to the family at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com