Sandra Lee (Plantenga) Harper

Sandra Harper (born Sandra Plantenga) to parents Lois and Harold Plantenga, went to join the love of her life, husband Jack, on July 29^th, 2020. After battling congestive heart failure and other underlining health conditions, she died peacefully in her home surrounded by family; hand in hand with the ones she loved.

Sandra is survived by her siblings: John (Diane), Sister Sue (Chuck), Sister Brenda (Andy), and baby Brother Craig. She also leaves behind 3 biological children and 4 step daughters. Her oldest Kailey (Katie) and their two children, Ryan and Allie. Her only Son Sean (Nicole), their 5 children, Daniel, Brian, Morgan, Garrett, Alexzandra, and grandchild AJ.  Her youngest Daughter Kindra, (Chris), their children Lexi, Hunter, Morgyn, and Phoenix, along with grandchildren Kolten and Peyton. Her 4 step daughters are Neda (Carter), their children Chad, Kim, and Andrea, along with grandchildren, Ryman, Merrick, Milo, Parklyn, and Benton. Carol, her two children, Brandy and Dusty, along with grandchildren Daniel, Bryn, Michael, Angel, and Abigail. Cherly (Mike) kids, Yolanda, Tim, Shaun, and Tricia, and grandkids, Brendan, Nathan, Joycelynn, Melaina, Makailah, and Caitlyn. Colette, her children Kiara, Tyler, and Jace, grandchildren, Elez, Ophelia, and Easton. Sandra also had 6 nephews, 3 nieces, 5 great nephews, and 2 great nieces.

Sandy was born in Grand Rapids, MI on January 30^th, 1953. She spent most of her adult years in the education system where she retired from being a teacher’s aide. From there she began working full time at her second job, McDonald’s, where all of her McKids knew her as Damomma. Sandy was not just born with a big heart, but a rebel’s heart. She loved fast cars, street racing, and singing in her band “The Ramblers”. As she grew older, her love for music continued, but looked a little different. She went from bars on a Friday night, to family jam sessions on a Saturday afternoon. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, cross word puzzles, fishing, and watching her cop shows with her diet coke and donuts. To say she had an obsession with eagles and buying jewelry from her liquidation station would be an understatement. All of these special things make up what an amazing person Sandy was, but the best part of her was her family, whom she loved more than anything. They will all continue the Black Friday tradition and continue to recruit the newest members to their squads.

In honoring Sandra’s wishes there will not be a funeral service, but rather a celebration of life. The celebration will take place August 15^th,  2020 at 13750 Podunk Ave Cedar Springs, MI 49319. Celebration hours are between 4pm-8pm. We are asking everyone to bring their own beverages and perhaps a dish to pass. This will be an outdoor event so bring a lawn chair if you like. All we ask is if you are able to bring a dish to pass, please make sure they are things that can be single servings/individually packaged.

Although her family will forever mourn her, she wanted to leave them with these final wishes. To all the grubby faced kids from prospect, and to all my McKids, I will always be your DaMomma. To her step grandchildren and great grandchildren, know that you always held a special place in Grammy Sammy’s heart. To my oldest daughter Kailey: I have always admired your strength and determination. I will always be there for you to continue our late night talks. My daughter-in-law Katie: nobody will ever understand my love for beautiful jewels the way you did, probably because you were one yourself. My only son Sean: you will never know what it meant to me to be able to share stories with you from my life I shared with your father. I want you to remember it’s harder to hold onto hate than it is to forgive. My sweet daughter-in-law Nicole: thank you for showing my son unconditional love, for that I am eternally grateful. To my baby girl Kinnerz: never settle for anything less than happiness, for you deserve it more than you know (Marchelle, take care of my girl for me). To my son-in-law Chris: thank you for always taking care of your Mommason and for being the amazing son you didn’t have to be. To my best friend and sister Sue: a lifetime of memories with you was still not enough.  I will always cherish our late night talks and texting to the early morning while Chuck was sleeping. To my grandsons Daniel and Brian: I may not have been a part of your daily life, but I hope you know my love was. To my grandson Ry Guy: I could not be more proud of the man you have become, never let anyone make you feel small or not enough, for you are your grandfathers name sake. To my granddaughter Allie: you were the apple of my eye, I leave to you my gift of laughter, smile big, laugh loud, and love life, and sing your heart out. To my grandkids Lexi and Hunter: thank you for allowing me to be your nana and for our ice cream dates. Next time you go, order one for me and remember chocolate sauce NOT chocolate fudge! To my grandson Phoenix: never lose your spirit. And to my sweet sweet Morgyn: always let your big heart guide you and never forget that I love you and never stop singing.  To all my family, friends, and to anyone else’s life I may have touched, please don’t shed a tear now that I am gone. I now have my wings and my voice. I no longer feel pain or the need to cry, for now I am an angel and angels don’t cry.

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