Sandi Palmer

Sandi passed away peacefully in her sleep the morning of Saturday, August 15, 2020 after a four-year journey with pancreatic cancer. In her final weeks, Sandi courageously chose to pursue comfort care through hospice that allowed her earthly body and spirit the opportunity to mend prior to returning to God’s loving arms. She passed in her own bedroom, with her family by her side and room filled with flowers, music, love, prayer and light.

Sandi’s journey through her disease included great trials- the Whipple procedure, chemotherapy, many surgeries and hospital stays. However, Sandi’s determination and will to live life to the fullest was unyielding in the face of these great challenges. Through treatment, bad news, and good news, Sandi continued to shine love, creativity, and kindness among all whom she knew. She was a steadfast woman who humbly wielded the quiet power of true understanding and soul connection with many throughout her life-- A beacon of hope and happiness. She often and unabashedly shared wisdom and expressed love through her masterful command of many life hobbies including: stitching, gardening, interior design, and fashion. Her spirit lives on in her art, garden, gifts and advice she provided her friends and family.  

Sandi was born as Alexandra Dounias in Los Angeles, California to Sally and Argires Dounias. She graduated from Reseda High School in 1978, received an associate’s degree from Pierce College in 1980 and bachelor’s degree in Design and Textiles from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo in 1982. Shortly after graduating, she met and fell in love with her husband of 36 years, Donald Palmer, with whom she had two children, Jeffrey Adam and Kathleen Nicole. Sandi pursued a career in interior design and worked at Calico Corners fabric store for many years before moving to Barcelona, Spain to support Don’s career. It was in Barcelona that Sandi’s passion for European art, furniture restoration, and international travel was cultivated. Sandi then moved to Eagle, Idaho with her family in 1999, where she and Don established their final home. In Idaho, Sandi became a certified Master Gardener, completed French lessons, and worked as a fashion consultant for women’s clothing for over 12 years. She worshipped the sun, ocean, and flowers and created art from nearly everything she touched. Sandi is survived by her Father, Argires; Husband, Don; Son, Daughter-in-law, and Grandson, Jeffrey, Megan, and Graham Palmer; and daughter Kathleen. Her family and friends will feel her touch in the wind, kiss from the sun, and smell her scent in the flowers.

A virtual service will be held at the Cathedral of the Rockies in Boise, Idaho on Friday, August 28, 2020 at 12 pm MT. Please click on the 'event' portion of this webpage for more information and to livestream the service.

Sandi’s family thanks you for your prayers and support during this time of grief and loss. If you are considering a memorial gift in Sandi’s name, donations may be made in her honor to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s Boise PurpleStride under the “Pancreatic Purple Mermaids Team” at the following link: https://bit.ly/3aAhTze.