Sandra "Sandy" Joan Palen, 83, of La Porte, IN, passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Miller Health and Rehab.
She was born on April 25, 1942, in Gary, IN, to Paul and Pansy (Leonard) Nulf.
On May 27, 1961, in La Porte, IN, she married Robert "Bob" Palen who survives. Also surviving are her daughter, Debra (Dwight) Akins of La Porte; grandson, Paul (Brittany) Layman of Fishers, IN; 3 great-grandchildren, Lennox, Kyndra, and Parker Layman; sisters, Sherry (Neal) Gorden of Walkerton, IN, and Lynda (Bill) Friend of Walkerton, IN; as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, David Palen; grandson, Seth Layman; sister, Paula (Mike) Grimes; and brother, Larry Nulf.
Sandy sold Avon for 35 years. She was a member of La Porte Missionary Church, where she participated in the La Porte Missionary Church Quilters ministry. Sandy was also a Master Gardener.  She was a member of Star Righters Square Dancing for 30 years where her and Bob loved dancing and the fellowship of friends.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026 at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center with Pastor Carl Galloway officiating.
A time of visitation will be held from 6 - 8 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center and from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday, at the funeral home. Cremation will take place following the service with burial at a later date at Patton Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the family c/o Bob Palen, 2900 Monroe Street, La Porte, IN 46350 or to the donor's choice.
Condolences may be shared with the family on www.cutlercares.com.