Sandra Irene Hite

Sandra Irene Hite (née Machovec), 86, of Lake Elmo, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2025, after a 24-year battle with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Sandra (Sandy) was born on March 26, 1939, in St. Paul to James F. and Selma L. Machovec (née Irene), following her older sister Karen (Krinke). Sandy grew up in the Summit Hill area of St. Paul, attending elementary school at St. Luke’s School and went on to graduate from Saint Joseph’s Academy.

In her younger years, Sandy cherished time spent with her sister, aunts, uncles, and cousins. They loved visiting the family farm in Mora, relaxing at the family cabin on Bone Lake (WI), and creating lasting memories with their grandparents. With her parents working full-time—James as a business owner and Selma (Sally) as a registered nurse at Ancker Hospital—Sandy developed a lifelong bond with her adored nanny, Alice Lobdell.

In her teens, Sandy enjoyed helping her dad at his grocery store, earning money to buy a membership to the St. Paul Tennis Club, which was transformed into The Olympic Skating Rink during the winter months—she loved ice skating. After high school, Sandy worked for the State of Minnesota, saving enough money to buy her beloved white Volkswagen “Bug.” She also worked for the Northern Pacific Railway.

In 1964, Sandy married Raymond Hite, Jr., at the Church of St. Luke. Together, they welcomed four children: Mary (Wayne) LeTourneau, Amy (Ger) Irwin, Adam (Jhoelle) Hite, and Alexandra (Eric) Nelson. The family started in St. Paul, later moved to Maplewood, and eventually settled in Grant Township (Stillwater) so their children could attend Mahtomedi schools. Sandy was an exceptional homemaker, and as her children grew older, she returned to part-time work. Sandy and Ray were married for 30+ years.

Sandy’s parents were frequent visitors at the Hite home. Nearly every weekend included trips to downtown Minneapolis or St. Paul, where they would go shopping and enjoy lunch. Some of the favorite shopping spots were Dayton’s, Donaldson’s, Field Schlick, Young-Quinlan, and The Conservatory, while they loved dining at the Nankin and Dayton’s River Room (for popovers).

The next chapter in Sandy’s life took her to Courage St. Croix in Stillwater, where she worked full-time until retiring in 2004. Sandy loved nothing more than spending time with her family, including her seven grandchildren: Lauren, Samantha, Sandra (Maggie), Katie, Emily, Sallyanna, and AJ.

In her later years, she cherished her friendship with Doug, where their days centered around family—exploring new restaurants, shopping, traveling, and playing dominoes with Karen and Dean. Sandy was an avid reader and enjoyed hobbies such as gardening, needlepoint, quilting, knitting, ceramics and cardmaking.

Nearly three years ago, Sandy and her sister, Karen, moved into the same senior community at Boulder Ponds in Lake Elmo. Throughout her life, Sandy’s faith was a guiding force, providing her with strength and peace. Her unwavering faith helped her embrace this next chapter with grace. Sandy found peace in knowing she was surrounded by her entire family during her final days. After Karen passed away on February 22, Sandy could not bear the thought of her sister being with their parents without her. To have one last hurrah, Sandy chose to pass away the day after her birthday celebrations with family and Boulder Ponds staff.

Sandy was the most loving daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend. The love she gave her children, grandchildren, and beloved dogs was unmatched. She will forever remain the heart of her family.

Sandy’s family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care she received from Boulder Ponds and Lakeview Homecare and Hospice.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Ambrose of Woodbury, 4125 Woodbury Drive, on April 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights

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