Blum, SandraSurrounded by her family, Sandra "Sandy" Blum, passed away on Saturday, March 25, 2017. Her strong will to live helped her overcome a host of significant medical ailments over the last several years. However, Sandy reached the point where she could fight no longer. Even throughout her own struggles, she was always a caring and giving Mother, Grandmother, and friend to those closest to her.Sandy was born on May 18, 1943 in Amsterdam, NY to Sylvester "Bill" and Gertrude (Skonieczny) Sokol. The youngest of four children, after growing up in Amsterdam, she spent most of her adult life raising her children and working in the Vestal, NY area. She moved to Saratoga, NY when she retired to be closer to her siblings, and most recently lived in Pottstown, PA to be near and spend time with her children and grandchildren.She graduated from Amsterdam High School, and completed her studies at the Albany Business College. After marrying and starting a family, she had a long career performing in a variety of administrative capacities. Her primary positions were with the State University of NY at Binghamton, and later with the NY State Workers Compensation Board. As a single Mother for many years, she routinely worked second and third part time jobs to provide for her family.She was never one to be shy, and was quick to engage in conversation, even with complete strangers. She had very definite ideas about how she wanted to live her life, and there are classic stories of how as a child, she exhibited a degree of stubbornness that even pushed her parents to the limit! She had a wonderful sense of humor, and her love of joking around will not be forgotten. However, the thing that stands out the most was her commitment to the well-being of her family. Sandy undoubtedly had her vices and joys. She was a die-hard Yankee fan. If there was a game being played, you could count on her following along religiously. She was known to enjoy a spicy Bloody-Mary, looked forward to cooking and eating a great meal (Her home-made pierogis would melt in your mouth!), and she shared so many fun times carrying-on with her Sister and friends throughout the years. Above all else, she loved to gamble. Put her in a casino, at the Saratoga horse track, or a bingo parlor, and she was in her happy place!Sandy is predeceased in death by her parents, her Sister Sylvia Cousineau, and her Brother Eugene Sokol. Her surviving family members include her Sons Mark and Elliot Blum, along with her Daughter-in law Lori Blum, Grandchildren Andrew, Daniel, and Jack Blum, her Brother Donald Sokol, her Sister-in-law Lucyna Sokol, and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.A funeral Mass will be presided by Rev. Joseph Busch at 12:15 pm on Saturday, April 8th at Our Lady of the Annunciation Catholic Church, 448 Aviation Rd, Queensbury, NY 12804. A reception for the family and friends will be held immediately following the inurnment in Pine View Cemetery.Memorial donations can be made in her honor to the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (Neurology Department):< https://w3.jefferson.edu/giving.cfm> Phone 215-955-1635Beyond financial donations, do a loving act of kindness, make someone laugh, send a card, give a hug, or say "I love you" to a special friend in her memory.The family is deeply grateful for the prayers and support in many heart-felt forms from too many people to name. Online condolences can be left on Sandra Blum's Memorial Tribute at www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com.