Sandra Hughes Sorkin

Sandra Jeanne Hughes Sorkin passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of May 19, 2026, at the age of 85. Born on September 14, 1940, Sandra lived a life defined by resilience, creativity, and an unwavering devotion to her family.

An independent and determined spirit, Sandra successfully navigated life as a single mother, raising her three children while building a career as a dedicated Real Estate Broker in California. Known for her kind and upbeat personality, she brought light and energy into every room she entered. In her early years, she pursued a passion for theater and film. Sharing her talents as an actress and performer. Her adventurous soul even led her to spend a couple of memorable years living on a boat in Marina Del Rey.

Later in life, at the age of 78, Sandra found her last and greatest love, Randy Gaess. Together, they shared a profound bond. Showing her characteristic strength and devotion, Sandra lovingly cared for Randy following a severe car accident, and the two remained side-by-side for the rest of her days. Even as she faced a long battle with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, her core of love and kindness remained unchanged.

Sandra’s greatest legacy is her family. She was the second of nine children born to Donald Joseph and Cleone Olive (Worster) Hughes. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings Marcia Dorais, Karen Eastman, Wayne Hughes, Linda Hughes, and Tammy Buettenbach. She is survived and fondly remembered by her siblings Donna Dettbarn, Connie Rasmussen (Denny), and Mark Hughes (Sharon).

She leaves behind her devoted partner, Randy Gaess; her three beloved children, Teresa Deanne West(Larry), Dirk Sorkin (Siew), and Brenda Daly (Tom) and her cherished grandchildren, Arielle Sorkin, Tomas Conner Daly, Katy Anne Daly, Brenna Jeanne Daly, Marissa Lee Sorkin, and George Henry Sorkin, all of whom she loved deeply and equally regardless of geographic distance. She was also fortunate enough to become a great-grandmother to Chaia Roylance age 2 and Marston Roylance her newest great-grand child who she held just a week before her passing.

Sandra gave as much of herself as she possibly could to those she loved. Her warmth, infectious optimism and strength will be profoundly missed by everyone who knew her.