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WILTON - Sandra Ann Yellen (Karpien), 73, of Saratoga Springs, NY, passed away on September 14th, 2024, at home surrounded by her loving family. Sandy was born March 30th, 1951 in Rome, NY, the daughter of Joseph and Genevieve Karpien. She graduated from Saratoga High School in 1969 with honors.
Sandy married her high school sweetheart Louis Yellen on September 27, 1969 at St. Clements Church in Saratoga Springs. Their first date was on February 21, 1966.
Sandy and Lou were married 55 years, and had two daughters, Jennifer and Laura. Sandy really knew how to enjoy life to the fullest! She loved fitness, being outdoors, and spending time with her family. She was an avid hiker no matter the season; as a member of the ADK, she became a 46er on August 31, 2008.
She always said, "The mountains are calling me and I must go." Her favorite places where the Adirondacks and national parks. Sandy's bucket list included Yosemite, with El Capitan being a must see.
She made this trip with Lou by her side in September of 2018. She also loved rock climbing, biking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing. Sandy also loved taking her children on many outings when they were young, and continued this trend with her grandkids later on.
Oh so many amazing things to see! The beach was her second favorite place to be and she shared many memorable moments with her family in the sun, sand and water. Sandy and Lou's favorite travel spots were Mexico and the Caribbean Islands. A natural caregiver, Sandy devoted her working life to helping others.
She spent most of those years as a personal trainer; her greatest passion was working with the elderly and those with disabilities at the Saratoga Wellness Center. She was loved by all whom she touched with her warm heart and kind hands. During her final few working years, Sandy cared for the developmentally disabled at Saratoga Bridges.
Sandy's other passion outside of work and family was helping felines. She loved and doted over her cats to no end. Over her lifetime she adopted several cats from rescues as well as many strays who literally just walked in the back door, and gave them all a loving home.
Sandy is survived by her husband of 55 years, Lou; her daughters Jennifer (Hettrich) and Laura (Rhodes); granddaughters: Sydney and Jaden Hettrich; sons-in-law: Dale Hettrich and Ben Rhodes; sisters: Linda Foster and Dot Karpien, and brother, Ronald Karpien. The family wishes to thank the staff of Saratoga Hospital and Hospice who both provided such good care and attention to Sandy. We would like to extend a special thanks to Dr.
White for her devotion and compassion, and to all the aides who provided her loving care at home during this lengthy illness. Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects from 5:00 p.m.
to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at Compassionate funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave.
(Rte 9 and/or Marion Ave.), Saratoga Springs, NY. A Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.
m. on Friday, September 20, 2024, at St. Clements Church, 231 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Sandy's memory be directed to The Alzheimer's Association at ALZ.ORG/NORTHEASTERNNY or HOPE Animal Rescue at HOPEANIMALRESCUE.ORG For online condolences, visit www.
compassionatefuneralcare.com . 402 Maple Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518) 584-4844.
