Sandra Schaub Hester, lovingly known as “Gommy” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2026, at the age of 91.

She was born on December 15, 1934, in St. Paul, Minnesota. She spent her early years in Minnesota before eventually making her home in Southern California, where she and her beloved husband, Richard Hester, began their beautiful life together. They shared nearly 40 wonderful years of marriage until his passing.

In 1992, she and Richard moved to Gainesville, Georgia, settling on the shores of Lake Lanier. There she found great joy in welcoming her growing family. Summers and winter breaks became treasured traditions, as her grandchildren gathered at the lake year after year. Those times together created deep bonds and countless cherished memories. Watching her grandchildren grow up was one of the great joys of her life, and she formed especially close relationships with each of them.

She was a devoted member of Grace Episcopal Church in Gainesville, where she was active in church life and community. Her faith was an important part of who she was and guided the kindness and warmth she shared with others.

She was also an avid quilter, creating countless handmade quilts over the years. Each stitch reflected the love she had for her family, and her quilts remain treasured heirlooms that will continue to wrap future generations in her love, care, and warmth.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard Hester; her parents, Harold and Elizabeth Schaub; and her brothers, Phillip, Carleton, and Harold Jr. (“Billy”), and her granddaughter, Tracy Carswell.

Sandra is survived by her daughters and their spouses: Kimberlee and Paul Esaki of Moorpark, California; Kathryn and Douglas Carswell of Oakwood, Georgia; and Kären and Ward Daniels of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren: Trevor, Phillip, and Erin Esaki; Nicholas, Elizabeth, and Timothy Carswell; and Kathryn, John, and Rebecca Daniels.

She was the proud great-grandmother of four great-granddaughters and six great-grandsons—and counting.

To her family, “Gommy” was the heart that held everyone together. The greatest gift she and her husband, lovingly known as “Poppy,” gave their family was each other. The legacy she leaves behind is not only one of love, faith, and generosity, but of a strong and enduring family bond that will continue for generations.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the joy of knowing her.

Our family is incredibly grateful to the nurses, aides, and volunteers at Georgia Hospice and Manor Lake, Gainesville for treating Gommy with such dignity, grace and love.

A service will be held on June 6th at 11:00 a.m. in the Bulloch Chapel at the University Yacht Club, in Flowery Branch. Service to be officiated by Mike Freeman. The family will receive friends afterwards in the Veranda at the University Yacht Club.  

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hall-Dawson CASA at HallDawsonCASA.org or the charity of your choice.    

Those wishing to leave condolences may do so at www.littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory are in charge of the arrangements.