Sandra Jean Fabian

Sandra Jean Fabian, 76, of Mechanicsburg, passed away on Saturday, October 12, 2024, after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She was born in Mechanicsburg on August 14, 1948 to the late Arthur E. and E. Maxine (Bell) Grove. 

After graduating from Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School in 1966, she went on to work as a secretary for multiple employers, including WITF, PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources and the PA Department of Health. In 1974, she and her late husband, Terry, were married at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, New Kingston. 

Sandra put her career on pause to provide care for her two sons and daughter, as well as the household. She was a talented musician, playing the French horn in both the New Cumberland Town Band and the Keystone Band. She and Terry traveled extensively, taking full advantage of Juniata College Alumni Choir excursions in the 1990s and early 2000s, visiting everywhere from Ireland to China. They took numerous other trips throughout the years and were always eager to share about these experiences with others. 

She appreciated small talk and getting to know new people, thoroughly enjoying the social aspects of being the “first lady” when Terry served as Zembo Shrine’s Potentate in 2009. She believed strongly in the philanthropic mission of Shrine and spent time volunteering as a driver for children in need of transportation from the greater Harrisburg area to the Shriner’s Hospital in Philadelphia. She also really loved helping with the Shrine Circus every year. 

Surviving Sandra are her children, Shawn Fabian (Stephanie) of Mechanicsburg, Megan Mancino (Nicholas) of Mt. Holly Springs and Derek Fabian (Amber) of Shermans Dale; nine grandchildren; two siblings, N. Sue Wolford (Glenn) and Arthur Ernest Grove, Jr. (Julie); a sister-in-law, Edda Grove; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Terry Ray Fabian; and two brothers, Ronald and David Grove. 

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at Life House Church, 1534 Terrace Ave, Carlisle, PA 17013. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Sandra’s name to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital at www.shrinerschildrens.org and direct your gift to the hospital in Philadelphia.