Sandra Santel Gross

January 18, 1938 - April 2, 2022

Sandra Josephine Santel Gross, 84, of Houston passed away Saturday, April 2, 2022. Mrs. Gross was born January 18, 1938 in Covington, Kentucky to Carl and Edna Santel. She is survived by her children, Emily Gorman & husband Michael, Stephen Gross & wife Emily, Joseph Gross, Martin Gross & wife Jessica, Melanie Cancemi, Lauren Brice & husband Christopher; grandchildren, Christopher Gorman & wife Krysta, Jonathan Gorman & wife Lillian, Andrew Gorman & wife Paula, Erin Gorman, Ellen Gorman, Ryan Gross, Lance Gross, Marco Cancemi, Nicholas Cancemi, Alyssa Cancemi, Jack Brice, Julia Brice, Benjamin Brice; great grandchildren, Audrey Gorman, Grant Gorman, Corey Gorman, Brooke Gorman, Evelyn Gorman, and Eloise Gorman as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. Sandy was raised in Covington, Kentucky and graduated from La Salette Academy in 1955. While attending classes at a local college, she met the love of her life, Joseph Gross, in Kentucky where they were married in 1958 and started their family. In 1961, Sandy and Joe moved to Houston where they settled and raised their six children. Sandy was a devoted and faithful wife to Joe and a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Through the years she unselfishly watched her grandchildren many a day and night while also attending their sporting, choral, dancing, and other special activities and events. Sandy was a very faithful Catholic who loved her church and was humble and appreciative of God’s many graces. She was generous with her blessings in support of the church and innumerous charities and causes. A passionate love of country, Texas, and Houston stood out in her life, while Sandy continued to cling to her roots back in northern Kentucky & the Cincinnati area taking many family vacations back to visit relatives and friends. Sandy was an expert seamstress following in the footsteps of her mother. She hand crafted many dresses, outfits, costumes, and home furnishings. She also loved music and encouraged her children and grandchildren in the pursuit of their respective musical interests. Once her children were grown, Sandy rekindled her love of reading novels through her book club. The beauty of nature was something that always caught her eye and she especially cherished their visits to the Hyatt Wild Oak Ranch property in San Antonio and the soothing sounds of the ocean in their many beach house stays. Those who knew Sandy will remember her as a very gracious, giving, and proper hostess who opened her home and welcomed family and friends through the years for holiday and birthday celebrations, wedding receptions, and many other special events. In the past few years of her life, she relished the opportunity to live in her special “casita” apartment under the loving care of her youngest daughter and husband, Lauren and Chris. The family is so appreciative for the wisdom, guidance, and devotion of the team of very special caregivers, Suze, Felipa, Ana, and Mercedes, who tended to her every need and uplifted her with their love. The Gross family will be present to receive friends Thursday, April 7, 2022 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM with the Holy Rosary being recited at 7:00 PM at Dettling Funeral Home, 14094 Memorial Dr., Houston, TX 77079. The Funeral Mass will commence Friday, April 8, 2022 at 10:00 AM at St. Edith Stein Catholic Church, 3311 N. Fry Road, Katy, TX 77449. Mrs. Gross will be laid to rest in Memorial Oaks Cemetery following Holy Mass. In lieu of flowers please consider contributions in Sandy’s memory to the Pregnancy Help Center of West Houston, 1450 E Summitry Circle Katy, TX 77449, or the Houston Food Bank. Visit www. Dettlingfuneral.com to leave words of condolence to the family.