Sandra (Dimanin) Itsell Obituary (1961 - 2024)

Born May 07, 1961, Sandra (Dimanin) Itsell attended Fordson High School in Dearborn, MI. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Sandra (dimanin) Itsell.

Graduation Year	Class of 1979
Date of Birth	May 07, 1961
Date of Passing	Dec 08, 2024
About	Sandra “Sandi” Dimanin Itsell, May 7, 1961, age 63, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2024, after a valiant three-year battle with ALS. Born and raised in Dearborn, Michigan, Sandi was the daughter of proud Macedonian parents (the late Dr. John and Sophia Dimanin). She graduated from Fordson High School before attending Michigan State University, where she earned a Master’s degree in Communication Arts. While at MSU, Sandi met her husband, John, and the two began a beautiful life together. Sandi began her career at Electronic Data Systems (EDS), followed by Harper Hospital as an IT specialist, before embarking on a 30-year journey with Ford Motor Company in recruitment and information services. During her time at Ford, she also embraced her most beloved role: motherhood to her two daughters, Valerie and Vivianne. Tragically, Vivianne preceded her in death. Sandi is remembered as a beaming, beautiful light in every room she entered. Her vivacious, sharp-witted, and kindhearted nature—paired with her groovy glasses, wild curly hair, and captivating personality—made it easy for her to quickly form friendships wherever she went. Her friends, colleagues, and family often described her as “that one person who could confidently voice what everyone else was thinking”, thanks to her bold authenticity, Macedonian heritage and spirit, and magnetic charisma. Even in the face of ALS, nothing got past Sandi—she approached her courageous battle with the utmost grace and poise, and gave it hell every step of the way! Sandi is survived by her husband, John, her daughter, Valerie, her brother, Richard Dimanin (Lisa Giesecke), three nieces (Tsana, Jillian, and Anna), one nephew (Patrick), one grand-niece (Delilah), and one grand-nephew (Jules). Sandi’s uniqueness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.