Sandra Nora Kiessling

Sandra Kiessling, 92, of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, April 2.

Born in 1933 in Paterson, New Jersey, Sandra was the daughter of the late Merdich and Hruby Akellian, Armenian immigrants from Turkey. After the passing of her father when she was just 16, Sandra helped her mother manage the family’s convenience store while completing her high school education. She later pursued studies in Manhattan, training as a medical technician.

Sandra met the love of her life, Walter, on the beaches of Asbury Park, New Jersey, and the couple married in 1956. Together they built a life centered on family, raising their three children in Loch Arbour, New Jersey, where they resided for 40 years. In retirement, Sandra and Walter moved to the Renaissance community in Lakehurst, New Jersey, and later relocated to the Charlotte area in 2019.

In addition to caring for her home and family, Sandra was active in her community. She participated in the local PTA and held positions with Central Jersey Bank & Trust, New Jersey Natural Gas Company, and the Poplar Village Senior Community. She also spent time working as a realtor.

Sandra had a deep love for golf and enjoyed many years on the course, organizing outings and luncheons with friends at Renaissance. She took great pride in achieving a hole-in-one in 2002. A talented artist, she also enjoyed painting and shared her passion by teaching classes.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Sandra was an active member of Atonement Lutheran Church in Asbury Park. Her warmth, kindness, and generous spirit touched all who knew her.

Sandra was predeceased by her beloved husband, Walter, in June 2023, and by her brother, Dr. Nubar Paul Akellian, in 2005. She is survived by her loving children: Chris and his wife, Sarah, of Plymouth, Massachusetts; Steven and his wife, Marci, of Piscataway, New Jersey; and Diane Tastet and her husband, Bill, of Fort Mill, South Carolina. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Rachel, Lauren, Matthew, Skyler, and Devon.

Family and friends were the center of Sandra’s life, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Sandra will be laid to rest beside her husband at Rock Hill Memorial Gardens in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

The visitation will be held at Bass Cauthen Funeral Home on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at 10am with a service at 10:30am. The burial will follow at Rock Hill Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Sandra’s honor.