Obituary of Sandra Suzanne Lane

Sandra Suzanne (Smith) Lane, age 58 passed peacefully during the early morning hours of July 25, 2016 while at her home in Las Vegas, Nevada. She was born on April 18, 1958 in Brooklyn, New York, the third child of Alfredo Emanuel Smith Sr. and Barbara Ann (Bodden) Smith. As she grew, Sandra attended St. Fortunata School, Brooklyn, NY and South Shore High School, East New York. Immediately upon her father’s retirement from the NYPD in the late 70’s, the family moved west. San Diego, California became the new family home for Sandra and her seven siblings; Linda, Karen, Robert, Paul, Alfredo, Melanie, and Shyheem. Starting by achieving her cosmetology license, Sandra began pursuit of her California Dreams. She gained work as an actress, singer and model. She worked in print, feature & commercial film, community theater and a range of independent productions. Fellow cast members praised her devotion to the work and always told fun stories of her antics behind the scenes and while on set. In 1981 Sandra married Steven P Lane in San Diego California. They had three children; Steven II, Simoni and Salina. When her husband joined the US Army, the family spent the next years travelling from San Diego to Fort Bragg, NC, then to Aschaffenburg, Germany then back to San Diego. Whether in California, Carolina or Europe, Sandra continued with her entertainment interests and using her cosmetology skills. After her divorce, she added massage therapist and home health care specialist to her list of skills. Sandra, guided by her favorite phrase ‘love, peace & happiness’ carved out a new life in Las Vegas. She was a magnet and much-loved by family and friends. In the ensuing months and years, the evidence of that quality became clear, as one by one, a number of those loved ones joined her Vegas. A much loved mother and ‘Nana,’ she is survived by; her son Steven P. Lane II, his family; wife Valarie with children Psi, Kyla, Karson, Karter & Kennedy; her daughter Simoni D. Lane, her children Janeah and Amariah; Salina A. (Lane) Bibbs and her family, husband Will with children William, Christian, Monroe & New baby expected in late November of this year. She also leaves behind extended family, friends and her seven siblings; Linda Smith (Los Angeles, CA); Karen (Smith) Taylor and husband Charles (Las Vegas, NV), Robert Smith and wife Christina (Las Vegas, NV), Paul Smith and wife Ester (Las Vegas, NV); Alfredo Smith Jr (Las Vegas, NV); Melanie (Smith) Thomas and husband John (Vista, CA); Shyheem Smith and wife Asayo Maeda (Las Vegas, CA); her cat ‘Panther’ and former husband Steven P. Lane (San Diego, CA). Sandra is preceded in death by her parents Alfredo Emanuel Smith Sr., Barbara Ann (Bodden) Smith. The family extends their heart-felt appreciation and sincere gratitude to Lorraine O’Brien, Lynn Faust and Jason Langaine for rendering much needed help, support and comfort to Sandra during an almost yearlong battle with this insidious disease. Sandra’s body will be cremated on August 1, 2016. She wanted everyone to know that as we move forward, she can be seen in the butterflies of the world. To show love and appreciation for Sandra, please post your memories and affection on the Facebook pages of any of her children and siblings.