Sandra E. (Truax) Keese, 78, of Fayetteville, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Oct. 20, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer.  Born and raised in Fulton, the daughter of Florence (England) and Edward Truax, Sandy graduated from Fulton High School and Oswego School of Practical Nursing, class of 1965. Sandy was proud of her career in nursing, focusing on pediatrics.  She was thrilled to be reunited with some of her patients, as adults, over her 40-year career.  She often said how much she loved the kids during her professional interactions. Sandy developed a passion for travel, perhaps after experiencing her first year of marriage in Germany, where her husband, Pieter, was stationed in the Army.  Sandy traveled extensively with friends and family, learning to cook in Italy with her pediatric office colleagues, visiting the grave sites of the great composers in Europe with her daughter’s class, soaking up the sun in the Caribbean, seeing the national parks by train and stays at the family camp in the Adirondacks. Sandy’s love of family and life was shared with the animal world.  She volunteered with the SPCA and Wanderer’s Rest and was guardian of as many as eight dogs at one time.  She never missed an opportunity to see her favorite animal, the giraffe. Sandy was predeceased by her parents, Florence and Edward Truax and her brother, Steven Truax.  She is survived by her husband, Pieter; brother, Gerald (Barb) Truax; children, Diana (Cody) Platt, Eric Keese, and Carrie (Sam) Webster; and five grandchildren. Sandy received endless love and support from her husband of 56 years, Pieter.  He was a constant companion and, during her illness, an unfailing caregiver. Calling hours will be Saturday Nov. 30, from 11 a.m. to noon; a service will follow at noon at the funeral home. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital or CNY SPCA. For guest book, please visit scheppfamily.com.