Sandra Lee Wighton

Sandra Lee Wighton

February 17, 1940 - June 05, 2026

Obituary

Sandra L. Wighton passed away on June 5, 2026, at the UW Hospital in Madison. She was born on February 17, 1940, to parents, Louis A. Shanrock and Mildred E. (Smellie) in Toledo, OH.


Sandra was a graduate of Towson State University. She began her career in education in Baltimore, MD, teaching English and Drama at Patterson High School. Sandra became principal at Western High School in 1979 which continued through 1994. During her tenure, she played a key role in encouraging the school to adopt a mascot, which ultimately became the Doves. She was given the Greater Baltimore Committee Principal Award in 1984. After her position at Western High School, she was appointed Area Assistant Superintendent for the Southeast Area of the City of Baltimore City Public School System.


In her retirement, Sandra enjoyed volunteering at the Maryland SPCA for several years. She enjoyed traveling, gardening and was an avid golfer. Among her favorite experiences was a trip to the Pebble Beach golf course on California’s Monterey Peninsula. Sandra also had a deep appreciation for the arts and was a subscribing patron of the Baltimore Symphony and Everyman Theatre.


Sandra is survived by her brother, Sheldon (Charlene) Shanrock, PA: sister, Denise (Gary) Spann, WI; nieces, Jill (Bob) Walsh, PA, Juliet Shanrock Ray, AL, and Melia Livingstone, WA; nephews, Ryan (Ieng) Shanrock, AR and Jeremy (Kate) Spann, WI; and friend, Shirley Williams, DE. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Wighton.


Sandra will be deeply and lovingly remembered by her family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing her.


Memorials may be made to the Maryland SPCA. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson Fitchburg

Funeral & Cremation Care

2950 Chapel Valley Road

(608) 442-5002


Events

There are no events for Sandra yet.
AW
A Memorial Tree was planted for Sandra L. Wighton
Other •
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Fitchburg
KF
Katie Flory
Other •
I will always remember Sandra and her love for the animals at the Maryland SPCA. She was a joy to work with and will be deeply missed.
JN
Jean Nesbit
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She was a wonderful mentor and leader to us all at Western High School, Baltimore. "Quiet Dignity". - Jean Riggs Nesbit, class of 1987
RB
Rasheda Brown
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Rest well Ms. Wighton, you were the best principal at Western High. I am honored to have been there during your tenure. You were tough yet fair. You taught me and many others how to be Western ladies with quiet dignity. You will be missed With much appreciation, Rasheda Western High class of 1994
KL
Kimberly (Adgerson) Linton
Other •
I had the pleasure of attending Dear Western during Ms. Whigton’s tenure. She was such a beautiful and kind lady. I had the pleasure of working in the Office for my last 2 school years and she was always so kind and supportive to me and my sisters. She left her mark and shine ✨ on us and she was sorely missed when she left. Class of 86 misses you! 💔 🕊️
J
Jennifer
Other •
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of my beloved principal! Please accept my sincere condolences. That classy lady was such a great role model for the Doves of Western High School. She always taught us to have quiet dignity! At an assembly when she walked on the stage you could hear a pin drop! We had so much respect for her! May she rest in eternal peace. ❤️🙏Her legacy will live on. Her leadership helped me become the successful and confident lady that I am today. All of the teachers and counselors there under her direction were amazing! Dear Western loves her! J

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