Sandra (Sandy) Lenihan (née Woodley)

Sandra (Sandy) Lenihan (née Woodley) of Concord Township, Ohio, formerly of Willoughby, Ohio, and Alexandria, Virginia, passed away at the age of 87 on October 19, 2026. 

Sandy was raised in Willoughby, Ohio, near the lakefront and among many cousins. She graduated in 1956 from Willoughby Union High School and in 1960 from Ohio University, where she was a proud member of Alpha Gamma Delta. It was at Ohio University that she met her future husband, Jerry ‘Fox” Lenihan, and together they shared a joyous and adventurous life for several decades until his passing. 

Sandy began her career as a teacher in Cleveland, Ohio, and Alexandria, Virginia, before transitioning to a highly successful career in real estate. After many years as a top earner, she established her own brokerage as a co-founder of the J. Edwards Company, a real estate company in Alexandria. Upon retirement, Sandy returned to Northeast Ohio, settling in the Quail Hollow community of Concord Township, where she made many new friends. 

Sandy is survived by her son, Jeffrey (Rochelle) of Athens, Ohio, and daughter, Susan of Austin, Texas; sister-in-law Susi (Tom) Woodley of Concord Township; nieces Holly (Gabe) Valentino, Cheryl Kozak and Whitney Lenihan; nephew Kyle (Ingrid) Woodley; brother-in-law Joe Kozak; and her adorable great-nieces, Millie and Bella Valentino, whose visits brought her so much joy and happiness. She is also survived by longtime family friend Bennie Phillips, whose humor and joyful spirit brought laughter and companionship to her life, particularly during her final years. Sandy also leaves behind many loving cousins, too many to mention by name but not too many to love. 

Following the passing of her husband, Sandy shared several wonderful years with her cherished companion, Jim Beissner, and developed close and lasting bonds with the Beissner family of Yorktown, Virginia, whom she considered a second family.  

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry; parents, Helen and Dick Woodley; brother, Tom Woodley; sister-in-law, Barbie; and dear companion, Jim Beissner. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Sandy’s memory to the Lake (OH) Humane Society, or another animal-welfare organization of your choice, in honor of the many precious “grandpups” she adored over the years and whose visits were always a highlight of her day; to The Jeffrey F. Lenihan, BSJ ’83, MSA ’84 Scholarship Fund at Ohio University; or to Reserve Care Hospice in Cleveland, Ohio. 

The family extends its heartfelt thanks to the staff at The Preserve at Mentor Ridge Memory Care and Reserve Care Hospice for the compassionate, respectful and consistent care they provided, helping Sandy remain comfortable, engaged and surrounded by kindness throughout her final months. Caregivers at both organizations treated Sandy like family and fondly shared stories of her kindness, wit, sassiness and remarkable skill at various games and activities. While the transition to assisted living or memory care is often met with apprehension, Sandy’s experience was a wonderful reminder that it can also be a positive and enjoyable chapter of life, filled with new friendships, meaningful connections and moments of genuine happiness. 

In keeping with Sandy’s wishes, there will be a private interment at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, where she will join her husband, Jerry.

Arrangements were entrusted to Jeff Monreal Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Painesville.