Leslie Sando

    Leslie Sando, nee Porter, died Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021.
    She is survived by her sons, John Tramell (Shari) and Eric Tramell (Marcia); and grandchildren, Ryan Tramell, Chase Tramell, Logan Tramell, Madison Tramell, Gavin Tramell, Aiden Tramell and Abriana Tramell. She is also survived by her husband of 32 years, John Sando; and his children, John Sando Jr., (Bernice) and Christine Gilbreath, subsequently deceased, (Scott); and grandchildren, William John Gilbreath, Kaitlyn Gilbreath, Vincent Sando, Janell Sando, Jillian Sando; and great-granddaughter, Hunter Gilbreath. She is survived by her sister, Susan Porter, and niece and nephew, Alexandra Wall and Ian Wall; along with many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.
    Leslie was born to Howard and Lillian Porter in Wheeling, W.Va., and was affectionately known to her family as Tootie.
    The family moved to Florida in 1960, where she attended South Broward High School.
    Leslie married Doug Tramell (predeceased), and together they raised their boys in Coral Springs, Fla., where she formed lifelong friendships with other young moms.
    As the supervisor of 60 school crossing guards in the city, Leslie became a familiar face to a generation of parents and children in their morning and afternoon commutes. It was there in Coral Springs that Leslie
cut her teeth on being a sports mom, something she carried into her years as a grandparent.  
    Leslie and John retired to Murphy, where they became proficient in their hobby of hunting at estate sales and antiquing, and where they met many friends at antique malls.
    As her fabulous litter of grandchildren grew, Leslie had less time for those activities and devoted herself to nurturing grandchildren in the same inimitable manner she had nurtured her boys.
    Leslie was smart and silly, and constant in the love she showed to those she held most dear. She made a lasting imprint on the world in her relationships with those she loved with her ability to make them feel loved, and she will be dearly missed as long as any of us breathe.
    A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, June 24, at First Baptist Church Chapel, 517 Hiwassee St., Murphy.
    Friends are welcome to attend and celebrate her life with her family.