Memorial

Sandra Geller, 82, of Cedar Rapids passed away on Monday, September 28, 2026.

A visitation will be on Thursday, October 1, 2026; from 5 pm to 8 pm at the Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories Stateroom. A private family graveside service will be held at the Waterloo Cemetery. 

Sandra was born on February 7, 1944; the daughter of Lee and Sadie (Hamilton) Hillygus. 

Sandra loved to read and had a special interest in history and genealogy. She once devoted an entire year to researching her family history, tracing her roots back three generations. A longtime member of Grace Brethren Church, Sandra remained devoted to her faith even after COVID limited her ability to attend services.

Sandra was also a wonderful cook, and her family will especially miss her Greek kapama and her famous holiday deviled eggs. A true social butterfly, Sandra never knew a stranger. She loved everyone she met, and that love was returned by so many. With her petite stature she still had a feisty side and had the strength of many despite her recent health struggles she always remained optimistic and the word quit was not in her vocabulary.  Above all, she treasured time with her family, especially spending time with her girls and enjoying motorcycle rides with her son, Byron.

Sandra was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dan Vangalis; her sister, Nancy Lane; her grandson, Kyle Cooper; her niece, Jodi Wildes; and her nephew, Scott Wildes.

Left to cherish Sandra’s memory are her son, Byron (Gina) Cooper; grandchildren, Kenneth (Star) Cooper, Jacob Dighton, and Taylor (Logan) Ewing; and great-grandchildren, Lea and Lenyx Cooper.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in Sandra’s memory to Kyle’s Mile, suicide prevention efforts, or Boys Town in Nebraska, causes that were meaningful to Sandra and her family.