Sandra Ann “Sandee” Rimel
February 25, 1949 – November 12, 2025

Sandra Ann “Sandee” Rimel, beloved widow of Joseph Henry “Buddy” Rimel III, and cherished mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, teacher, and best friend passed away peacefully at Palomar Hospital in Escondido, California, on November 12, 2025, following a courageous two-year battle with breast cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family. 

Born in Alhambra, California, on February 25, 1949, to  Warren Hill Shearer and Helen Francis Joy Shearer, Sandee grew up in Southern California and attended Clairemont High School. After the passing of her husband, she courageously raised four children as a single mother while pursuing her education, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communicative Sciences from the prestigious University of California, San Diego.

Sandra, a beloved member of her family and community, bore a name of profound meaning. A short form of the Greek Alexandra, it means “defender of mankind” or “helper of mankind.” True to her name, Sandra devoted her life to supporting, caring for, and protecting those around her, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her.

Those closest to Sandra would attest to the anointing of wisdom and grace she carried as a devotee of Truth. A true wordsmith, she navigated life’s challenges as a crossword solver does—delighting in each puzzle, savoring the process, and uncovering answers with patience and insight. 

Sandee devoted much of her life to teaching English as a Second Language, inspiring students from around the world. She served as a Cambridge ESL and TESOL/TEFL Instructor at ICC Hawaii, and as Director of Studies at the International School of Languages in San Diego. Her love for teaching created lifelong connections that spanned continents, and she was deeply cherished by all who had the privilege of learning from her. Sandee was known to have a genuinely magnetic presence, and doubled as an Entertainer and Performer in her classroom. 

A passionate performer, Sandra shared her love of the performing arts throughout the San Diego, and Orange County theater community.  She was an active actress with the North Park Vaudeville & Candy Shoppe Improv Troupe, participating in numerous productions. One of her proudest achievements was writing, producing, and performing in a Cabaret comedy skit titled “Nice and Easy” with her daughter Jennifer in 2008. She also performed in many theater productions with her son Jason across San Diego County. 

In 2014, she starred in Quilters at the Cabrillo Playhouse in San Clemente, California, earning the Outstanding Actress Award for her unforgettable performance. Her presence on stage, full of warmth, humor, and joy, left a lasting impression on every audience she touched.

Sandra lived most of her life in San Diego and later spent several years in Waikiki, Hawaii, where she learned to play the ukulele. She could often be found on the white sandy beaches, strumming her favorite songs such as “Fly Me to the Moon,” “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” and “Redemption Song” under the shade of a palm tree.

In her final years, she also lived on and off in the great Smokey Mountains of Waynesville, North Carolina. Her deep faith in Jesus Christ guided her through both the challenges and joys of life. To her family, she was the Mother of the Century. Her unconditional love, kindness, and creative spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Sandee is survived by her children: Cynthia Ann Rimel, Charity Ann Rimel, Jason Christopher Rimel, and Jennifer Christine Rimel-Basham; her son-in-law, Michael Timothy Rimel-Basham; Jim Bradley MacArthur; and her grandchildren: Sienna Rose Rimel-Basham, Ethan Caleb Rimel-Basham, Lilian Rachel Koerth, Eva Jane Koerth, Juliet Rimel Peralta, Joseph Rimel Peralta, Jameson Dylan MacArthur, and Sean Wesley MacArthur. She is also survived by her sisters, Deborah Axton and Susan Zimmerman; her nephews, Michael Zimmerman, John Meyer, and Jeffrey Meyer; and her nieces, Sara Zimmerman, Emily Barry, and Michele  Cerminara.

Special Mention of Departed Nephew William Zimmerman and Brother Gary 
Shearer- 

Her legacy of love, creativity, and joy will endure in all who were blessed to know her.

Aloha ʻOe — Until We Meet Again

Celebration of Life will be announced at a future date. 

For Flowers or memorial donations contact family 
email charityrimel@hotmail.com