Alexandra Leys “Sandy” Rickenbacker passed away February 6, 2025, in North Andover, Mass. She was born March 3, 1930, to James D. Leys and Gladys Sutton Leys, in Yonkers, N.Y.
Sandy spent her entire life in the northeastern states of New York and Massachusetts. She attended The Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.; graduated from The Baldwin School, in Bryn Mawr, Pa.; and studied at Vassar College.
Sandy married William F. Rickenbacker on September 3, 1955. She is survived by her two sons, James E. Rickenbacker and Thomas Rickenbacker; three grandchildren, Catherine, Ruthy, and Gregory; one great-grandchild, Asa; and two daughters-in-law, Donna and Maureen.
Sandy loved animals and nature. She acquired her father’s knowledge of plants and flowers at an early age and took great pleasure in growing and caring for her beautiful gardens. She was well educated in music and literature and read and wrote poetry, her favorite being “The Wreck of the Hesperus” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. She was a sweet person of calm disposition, navigating life with humility, grace, and dignity. Sandy will be lovingly remembered and missed by her family and friends.
Condolences may be left at the following on the website of Conte Funeral Home. In-lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Edgewood Retirement Community in North Andover, Mass., in memory of Sandy Rickenbacker.
