Sandra Estelle Schwanke , 69 , of Severna Park , passed away on April 15t h after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer . Born in Baltimore, MD to Mary Ann Kelley (formerly Ambrose) and the late James Ambrose, Sandra graduated from Western High School in 1969 , and then began her career of 40 plus years with the B&O Railroad / CSX Corporation . Starting out as an administrative assistant, Sandra retired from the railroad as a Senior Software Engineer . Over the course of her career, Sandra earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland .

Upon her retirement, Sandra shifted her boundless energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to her volunteer work with the Anne Arundel County Animal Shelter in Millersville. She also enjoyed traveling abroad with her family (especially her sister ) , and kicking up her heels with her Wednesday night line-dancing group . Sandra was a long-time member of the mermaid divas' book club, enjoyed eating meals prepared by her sous chef son, spending time with her beloved extended family (including nieces and nephews and great niece and nephews) and her dear pets, found great comfort in attending events and small group sessions at the Wellness House in Annapolis , and —in con cert with her husband and daughter — fostered and lovingly nursed to health numerous cats from the shelter that were too sickly to be adopted .

S andra is survived by her mother, Mary Ann Kelley; her husband, Edward Schwanke ; her son, Kristo f er Prusin ; her lifelong friend, Lawrence Prusin ; her daughter, Danielle Schwanke ; and siblings Rita LaPorta and David Ambrose. A private viewing was held for members of the family on April 19 th at Barranco Funeral Home & Cremation Care in Severna Park. T he family plans to hold a memorial service for Sandra once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted . Sandra was a parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Severna Park. Donations in Sandra's memory may be made to Wellness House (Annapolis) at https://wellnesshouseofannapolis.salsalabs.org/nowmorethanever/index.html or Friends of Anne Arundel County Animal Care and Control, Inc. ( http://faacac.org/ )