Sandra M. Whaley, cherished family, friends
Sandra “Sandy” M. (Bailey) Whaley, 67, of Laurel, lost her courageous, hard-fought battle with cholangiocarcinoma Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at home surrounded by her family.
Sandy graduated from Cape Henlopen High School in 1975. Later that year she would marry the love of her life, Keith Whaley. They would have celebrated 50 years together in November.
Sandy had worked for the Blood Bank of Delmarva and most recently as a secretary for the law practice of Moore and Rutt, P.A. in Georgetown. Although she loved her jobs, her most treasured job was being a mom and a farmer’s wife.
She loved the outside, the beach, camping, and the many adventures with family and close friends. The support system of those close friends and family, she could never show the amount of gratitude for all they have done. Sandy cherished the countless calls, talks, meals, and the simple joy of spending time together.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence “Jigger” Bailey and Louise “Weezie” (Voss) Bailey; her in-laws, Roland and Mildred Whaley; and a niece, Melissa Downey.
Sandy is survived by and lovingly remembered by her devoted husband Keith “Tater” Whaley; her children, a daughter and favorite son-in-law, Sabrina and Andy Hearn; a son, Matthew Whaley; grandchildren, Andrew “AJ” Hearn and Tegan Hearn; her siblings, Gary Bailey (Carlyn), Cheryl Betts (Chris), and Randy Bailey (Paula); a sister-in-law, Deena Dorey; nieces and nephews, Brittany Matthews, Erin Hurlock, Christopher Betts, Cory Betts, Chris Skye, Jason Bailey, Shannon Bailey, Chase Dorey and Morgan Dorey; as well as numerous cousins and friends she considered family.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, May 23, at Short Funeral Services chapel, 416 Federal St., Milton, where a time of visitation for family and friends will begin at noon. A gathering to celebrate Sandy’s life will follow at Milton Fire Hall.
The family would like to thank all of her friends who have helped and supported in so many ways, sent prayers, and helping hands; Dr. Claravall and University of Pennsylvania Hospital for all of their help and guidance; her caregivers, Cindy Morales and Nancy Stanley; and VITAS Hospice for their help and support at the end.
In lieu of flowers, Sandy requested that in her memory, contributions be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, stjude.org/donate.
Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com.
