Sandra Lynne Essel

Sandra Lynne Dressel, full of love and sparkle, of Milwaukie, Oregon passed away on Monday, May 6, 2024, at the age of 79, after bravely battling Parkinson’s disease.

Born on September 26, 1944, to Melville and Evelyn Inloes in Portland, Oregon, Sandra’s life was a testament to unwavering devotion, endless generosity, infectious joy, and unconditional love.

During Sandra’s childhood, she met Jerry Dressel. It was not until attending Newberg High School that he became the love of her life. On Sandra’s graduation day, Jerry proposed to her, and they married on August 4, 1963.

Together with Jerry, she raised four remarkable sons – Ryan, Brock, Bryce, and Reese. Sandra's home was a haven of warmth and love, where every day began with a homemade breakfast and ended with cherished family moments. Her dedication extended beyond her immediate family as she opened her heart and home to others, touching countless lives with her kindness, love, and compassion. The family has endless stories of the special memories she made as she idolized her family and thrived on every moment with Jerry and her four boys. Sandra kept structure and style and was the best devoted wife and mother one could have. She poured her heart and soul into nurturing her family and was constantly referred to as the “Best Mom Ever!”

After raising her boys, Sandra embarked on a new chapter and began working at Cleveland High School where she eventually became the Principal’s Secretary. She was known for putting on events with her special touch of charm by decorating the tables to the max and placing the food/beverages just so right. Her impeccable attention to detail and distinctive sense of style left an enduring mark on every event she orchestrated. Sandra loved her job, and the staff and students utterly adored her. Her genuine warmth and desirable enthusiasm endeared her to colleagues and students alike, building lifelong friendships along the way.

Sandra’s greatest joy was watching her family expand. Her heart overflowed with love and pride with the addition of three beloved daughters-in-law, a special East coast son, four cherished grandchildren, and a precious great-grandchild. She loved capturing all the special moments, meticulously crafting photo books adorned with just the right pictures, paper, rhymes, and STICKERS! This was a true reflection of her boundless creativity and love for her family.

Every holiday and celebration were sacred to Sandra as each one was precisely planned to perfection. Whether hosting the annual Dressel Women Five Candy House Day which later expanded to the three grandsons attending, creating cherished traditions like Christmas Morning with her famous cinnamon rolls, or placing just the right touch on a birthday celebration, Sandra’s love knew no limits. During the Spring and Summer breaks, Sandra could not wait to host the grandchildren sleepovers where they would build forts, engage in spirited water fights, play games, and savor her signature meals – all lovingly dubbed “Fun on Brae Street.” Sandra absolutely loved the home she and Jerry created on Kellogg Creek as it was more than just a house; it was a sanctuary filled with love, laughter, joy, and cherished memories of the family gatherings she prided herself on making special.

In 2012, Sandra retired. This gave her more time to relish every moment indulging in her passion for family, sports, and scrapbooking. A devoted fan of the Seattle Mariners and football enthusiast, she followed her teams with faithfulness, knowing everyone’s name like a pro. Sandra was delighted in organizing more sleepovers with her grandchildren and being able to pick them up from school where she would have a special snack awaiting and then return home where they would play for hours. She was the grandma known for pulling something out of her bag to help entertain or would create a game with buckets and balls for fun that would last for hours. Sandra was the best “Grandma Dear” a grandchild could have.

Sandra's legacy of love and kindness will forever illuminate the lives of those she touched. She will be remembered for her infectious laughter, unwavering optimism, and infinite love for her family and friends. Though she may have departed this earthly realm, her sparkle will forever dwell in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. She was one of the most caring, kind, and selfless individuals one could ever know. As we embark on the wonderful life this amazing lady lived, we know that she will be watching over us from her sky box view while reminiscing with those that proceeded before her. We can only imagine how the sky lit up with excitement when she arrived.

Sandra is survived by her devoted husband, Jerry; her loving sons, Ryan (partner Travis), Brock (wife Tyra), Bryce (wife Tami), and Reese (wife Kymberlee); her adored grandchildren, McKenzie (husband Jordan), Donovan, Brody, and Sterling; her cherished great-grandchild, Cruz; and a host of relatives and friends who will carry her memory forward with love and admiration.

In honoring Sandra's remarkable life, a Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 1:00pm-3:00pm at the Milwaukie Community Center. We invite family and friends to gather and pay tribute to a wife, mother (“Mims”), grandmother, great-grandmother, and woman whose light will continue to shine brightly in their hearts. Sandra will never be forgotten and will forever be cherished and loved; her memory full of sparkle and inspiration for generations to come. We love her to the moon and back and will never forget the back-and-forth words – “Love you MORE! Be nice!”