Hazel Rector's Obituary
Hazel (Sandra) Thatcher Rector
May 6, 1936 – December 6, 2024
With heartfelt sadness and love, we announce the passing of Hazel (Sandra) Thatcher Rector, 88,
of Odessa, Florida, who peacefully passed away in her sleep on December 6, 2024. Sandra was
a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend, whose kindness and devotion
touched many lives.
Sandra was born in Greenville, South Carolina, on May 6, 1936, to Anne Louise Morrison and
Franklin Tomlinson Thatcher. Sandra met John Herbert Rector at Western Carolina University
where they both earned degrees in education. They were married on November 28, 1958 in
Davidson, North Carolina.
Sandra earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Tampa and dedicated much
of her life to teaching. During the course of her thirty-five years as a school teacher she taught a
the following elementary schools: Essrig, Citrus Park, Lois, Egypt Lake and Mildred Helms.
Sandra touched the lives of countless students and demonstrated the ability to bring out the best
in each one of them.
Sandra was a devoted and active member of Keystone Presbyterian Church, where she served as
an elder and faithfully contributed to her church community. Her faith was a guiding force
throughout her life.
A passionate gardener, Sandra found immense joy in nurturing her flowers, vegetables, and lus
landscape. Over the years, she was also a devoted mother to her beloved dogs —Katie, Rosie,
Scooter, Abby, Fritz and Angus —who brought her much joy and companionship.
Sandra was predeceased by her beloved husband, John; her sister, Sarah Anne Ray; and her
brother, William (Billy Mac) McInvaille. She is survived by her children, Susan Caroline Justus,
Laura Crouch, and John Tye Rector; her grandchildren, Luisa Rector, Thatcher Crouch, and
Andrew Crouch; and her cherished Fox family—Kim, Jon, and their children Taylor, Madi, and
JJ and also their extended "village" of family and friends who cared for her in the later years of
her life, offering her love, companionship and a bit of adventure.
In addition, she is survived by Sarah Anne’s children who grew up with Sandra: nephew, Parker
Judy and niece, Margaret Zuefle; her nieces and nephews: Ronnie Rector Becky Rector, Terry
Rector and Gail Shelton; and also her first cousins and dear family: William “Bill” Morrison
Boppy McCrary Toledano, Billy Sumner, Kathy Sumner, Betsy Morrison James, Tommy Byrnes,
Susannah Boykin McKellar, Louise Boykin Boone, Katie Boykin Sellers, Sally Holmberg, Jane
Goodrum, and Carol McCartney.
A memorial service to celebrate Sandra’s life will be held at Trinity Memorial Gardens on
December 20, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. Details are on the website: TrinityMemorial.com. Donations
may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America in lieu of flowers.
The service will be webcast live, as well as recorded, and will be available to view during the service and for 90 days following the service at the following link:
https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTczMzk0ODk1MzM0MDg5MiZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==
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