Sandra Durbala

Sandra Jean (Clark) Durbala, 62, of Hills, passed on July 1 surrounded by family.

Sandy was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, friend and advocate.

Sandy was born May 8, 1958, in Jefferson to Dean and Shirley Clark.

She attended Jefferson Community High School and continued her education at the American Institute of Business, graduating in 1977 with an associate’s degree.

Sandy went on to work in the banking industry at Brenton Bank in Jefferson and First National Bank in Iowa City.  She transitioned to the field of fundraising and worked for Grinnell College and Prelude Behavioral Services. 

In seeing the amount of work she could accomplish in a day, one would be surprised to know that Sandy described herself as “not-a-morning-person.” Always a planner, moving from list to list, project to project, Sandy did not sit still until the end of the day when it was time to snuggle in her favorite recliner with a blanket to watch the political commentaries of the day. 

Sandy was passionate about gardening and home remodeling — painstakingly personally refurbishing an early 20th century craftsman home in Grinnell to its original glory. Sandy was never afraid to tackle any project big or small. She loved the smell of sawdust.

Sandy had a lifelong thirst for learning. She craved documentaries, thought-provoking podcasts, NPR and PBS. Sandy was passionate about social justice issues — marching for women’s rights, advocating for LGBTQ rights and raising money and awareness for women in recovery. She felt an obligation to justice and social responsibility. She truly left an impact on her family, lifelong friends, co-workers and those less fortunate, and has left a tremendous legacy in her children and grandchildren.

Sandy is survived by her husband, Mike Durbala; four children: Erin McCandless (Jacob), Monica Fitzgibbon, Paul Durbala and Cassandra Moser (Jordan); and eight grandchildren. She is also survived by her mother, Shirley Clark, of Jefferson; sisters Sheri Heisdorffer (Duane) and Cindy Goodrich (Doug), brother Dave Clark (Sam Elias); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Sandy was preceded in death by her father, Dean Clark; her father-in-law, Bob Durbala; and grandchild, Charlie Fitzgibbon.

In true form, Sandy was very independent and fought to the very end, all the while never losing her compassion for others, her humor and sarcasm.

Sandy’s wishes were not to have any services at this time as she greatly understood the importance of remaining safe during this time.

Family will host a celebration of life at some point in the future. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting you make a donation to a social justice charity of your choosing.