Sandra Jean LaFore, 77, of La Crosse, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2026, in West Salem, Wisconsin.
Sandra was born on March 19, 1949, in Richland Center, Wisconsin, to Marcella McNelly and the late William McNelly. She graduated from Richland Center High School and later attended Western Wisconsin Technical College.
Sandra made her home in the La Crosse area, where she built a life rich with meaningful relationships and the things she loved most. She was the devoted wife of James LaFore, a loving mother to Susan LaFore, and a proud grandmother to Adelaide and Spencer.
Sandra had a special gift for creating beauty through gardening. She took great joy in cultivating colorful flower gardens and found peace in caring for them season after season. She also loved spending time on St. George Island, Florida, where she enjoyed walking, biking, and taking in the beauty and tranquility of the coast.
Sandra is survived by her husband, James LaFore; her daughter and son-in-law, Susan LaFore and Christopher Chase; her grandchildren, Adelaide and Spencer; her mother, Marcella McNelly; her sister, Nancy (Ron) Kamrowski; her sister, Georgia Goodyear; her sister, Linda (Steve) Davison; and her brother, William (Vicki) McNelly.
She was preceded in death by her father, William McNelly.
Sandra will be remembered for her loving heart and the joy she found in life’s simple pleasures. Her gentle spirit, warmth, and love will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.