Sandra M. Doyle

With deep sadness and profound love, we announce the passing of Sandra M. Doyle, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, who peacefully left us on November 26, 2024, at the age of 78. The youngest of three children, Sandra was born on January 25, 1946, in Trenton, New Jersey, to Charles and Sophie Walker. When she lost her father at 16 years old, Sandra faced the world with a fierce determination and independence that would define her extraordinary life. Her journey was one of breaking barriers and living boldly. After the loss of her father, she entered the workforce while still attending school, and at a young age, started in banking to help support her family. But her heart always soared in the skies. At a time when women were rarely seen as pilots, Sandra was a true trailblazer. She earned her pilot’s license, became a flight instructor, chief pilot, and eventually a pilot with U.S. Air Express. After leaving the airlines, she worked as an investigator for the Federal Aviation Administration, helping shape aviation safety for the future. Her love for flying was so great that she often joked that while she had always dreamed of owning a Lamborghini, the planes she flew went a lot faster. Yet, her speed wasn’t only measured in miles per hour—Sandra’s life was defined by the way she moved through the world: with courage, strength, and the unstoppable will to make the most of every moment. While Sandra’s professional achievements were many, her greatest pride was always her family. She was deeply devoted to those she loved, and her life was built around faith, love, and unwavering support. She cherished every moment with her children: Ken (Janell) McClure of Waleska, Georgia; Sheila (David) Thornton of Atco, New Jersey; and Phillip (Nancy) McClure of Harrisonville, Rhode Island. Her grandchildren—Ryan McClure, Stephanie (Chris) Cantrell, Heather McClure, Madisyn Thornton, Shelby Thornton, and Joshua Thornton—and great-granddaughter, Ayla Cantrell, were the lights of her life, and she poured her heart into them every day. Her loyal dog, Mickie, was her companion in her later years, bringing comfort and joy into her life. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 33 years, Robert Davies McClure, and her husband who joined her later in life, James Doyle. Before her aviation career took flight, Sandra spent much of her life on farms, training a variety of animals with a special place in her heart for horses. Sandra broke horses for riding, and trained horses for show and pulling of carts or sulkies. Her small stature of 5’3” did not dissuade her unshakeable bond with the creatures she worked with, and her strength and patience were evident in all she did. Sandra was, without a doubt, a woman who defied the odds. Even in the face of challenges like cancer, which she bravely battled numerous times, she still fought to overcome it until the very end. Sandra’s spirit remained indomitable, and her faith helped her through the suffering that eventually took her from this world. Whether she was soaring through the sky or holding her family close, she was always living life to the fullest, her heart full of faith, her soul full of strength, and her spirit never to be tamed. Sandra’s memory will forever be cherished by her family, friends, and all who were lucky enough to know her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, perseverance, and a life well lived. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Darby Funeral Home in Canton, Georgia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, 152 Tulip Dr., Lewes, DE 19958, where family and friends may begin visiting at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Sandra's memory to The American Cancer Society at https://donate.cancer.org The caring staff of Darby Funeral Home is honored to serve the Doyle family.

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Sandra M. Doyle

January 25, 1946 - November 26, 2024