Saundra "Sandy" J. (McDonald) Bystry

"Saundra "Sandy" J. Bystry, 79, of Mishawaka, Indiana, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2026, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Indiana.

Sandy was born on November 23, 1946, in LaPorte, Indiana, to the late Arthur E. and Mary L. (Bauch) McDonald. Sandy graduated from Rolling Prairie High School with the Class of 1965. On June 19, 1993, Sandy married Theodore "Ted" Bystry, Sr., and together they blended their families into one filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.   

She is survived by her devoted husband, Ted Bystry, Sr., of Mishawaka; her daughter, Jenelle (John) Murphy of Kodak, Tennessee; her grandchildren, Kyle Kenyon of South Bend, Indiana, and Kaley (Joseph) Savastano of Mooresville, North Carolina; her brother, Patrick E. (Sharon) McDonald of Three Oaks, Michigan, and her sister-in-law, Kathy VanScoyk of Buchanan, Michigan. 

Through her marriage to Ted, Sandy was blessed with and survived by five additional daughters: Rhonda (Darrell) Peoples of South Carolina, Lisa (Mark) Gohn of South Bend, Indiana, Sarah (Dave) Lallier of Wilmington, North Carolina, Corina Bystry of Rocky Point, North Carolina, and Katarzyna (Larry) Villarreal of Leland, North Carolina; and one son, Theodore "Theo" (Sarah) Bystry, Jr. of Mesa, Arizona.

Sandy and Ted shared a large and loving family, with whom she is survived by, including 15 grandchildren: Marja (Jason) Baldyga, Rance (Cassie) Gohn, Dillon Gohn, Mikaela Gohn, Samantha (Chris) Fishburn, Alexandria and Ethan Gohn, Elijah and Amelia Chirco, Alexa, Easton, and Isla Villarreal, Tyler Vercelli, Theodore "Tre"and Carson Bystry, who brought so much joy to their lives. They were further blessed with and survived by seven great-grandchildren: Murphy Gohn, Salix Heck, Kinslee Gohn, Kyla Baydyga, Mackey and Darby Gohn, and Ashton Gohn. 

She was preceded in death by; her brothers, Dennis E. McDonald and William L. McDonald; her sisters, Sharan A. Hudson, Mary M. Hooper, Jacqulyn M. Daisy, and Bernadette M. Pietsch; her beloved grandson, Mitchell Gohn; her brothers-in-law, Larry R. Arnold, Sr., Gerald "Jerry" Keck, Willard "Bud" Hudson, Billy Hooper, Eugene "Gene" Pietsch, and Wayne Daisy; and her sisters-in-law, Sharon S. (Swanson) McDonald and Mary Ann Straton. 

An active and outgoing person, Sandy enjoyed participating in ladies’ pool, softball, and bowling leagues. She loved reading, completing word search puzzles, and spending time outdoors. One of her favorite places was Yogi Bear Campground in Pierceton, where she and Ted created lasting memories with the many friends who became their beloved "Yogi Family."

Above all else, Sandy treasured time with her family. She and Ted found immense joy in visiting their children and grandchildren and taking countless "mini vacations" to create memories together. They also shared unforgettable trips to Hawaii and Ireland, adventures that remained among Sandy's favorite experiences.

Sandy will be remembered for her warm heart, unwavering devotion to her family, kind spirit, and the joy she found in bringing loved ones together. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched and the family she loved so deeply.

Sandy was a Life Member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Post #9423 and Nest #564 of the Polish Falcons of America. She and Ted were faithful members of St. Hedwig Catholic Church in South Bend.

A visitation for Sandy will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, from 5 pm to 7 pm at St. Joseph Funeral Home, 824 Mayflower Rd., South Bend, IN 46619. A memorial service will immediately follow the visitation at 7 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Sandy's memory to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America or the Alzheimer's Research Foundation. Toodles!"