Sandy Marvin Istvan

Greece:  Sandy Marvin Istvan, aged 78, of Rochester, passed peacefully on April 15, 2017, surrounded by loved ones.  She was born Sandra Joan Marvin on May 3, 1938, in Rochester, New York to Kenneth Reid and Rita (Stilson) Marvin.

On January 10, 1959 Sandy was wed to Robert Joseph Istvan, also of Rochester.   During their 58-year marriage Sandy and Bob lived in numerous locations including various homes in the greater Rochester area, South Carolina, North Carolina and Florida, gathering friends and memories along the way.  In the 1970s they bought a small working farm in Byron, NY where along with their five children they raised cows, pigs, chickens, goats and a bountiful garden.   As had former generations of both Sandy and Bob’s families, the Istvans spent many happy weeks in the beauty of the Adirondack Mountains , eventually realizing their dream of owning a camp at family favorite Long Lake.

Sandy’s professional career spanned four decades.  While her children were young, she was a librarian at Byron-Bergen High School.  She then worked in various law firms including the former Nixon Hargrave of Rochester, where she was a benefits coordinator. She went on to become an Assistant Vice President at Central Trust. After earning her CFP and Bachelor Degree in Management from Robert’s Wesleyan College in 1992, and relocating to South Carolina, she rounded out her career as a Vice President with Wachovia Bank specializing in Estate and Financial Planning.

Sandy was an avid reader, often discovered late at night snoring gently on the couch, eyeglasses askew and clutching a book.  Following in the footsteps of her novelist grandfather Charles B. Stilson, Sandy had a busy imagination and was an aspiring novelist.  Also a talented artist, she created everything from original sketches on lunchbox napkins to a delightful watercolor portrait of her beloved grandmother Rose Stilson.  Even as her health declined, Sandy loved to spend time reminiscing with her mom and sister.  She enjoyed life-long friendships with high school pals and looked forward to get-togethers with the “Charlotte Chix.”  After enduring several years of her kids’ teenaged (and beyond) rebellion Sandy was rewarded by treasured visits with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, secure in the knowledge she could give them back when they became unruly.

Sandy was predeceased by her father and her brother James Cameron Marvin.  In addition to her mother and husband she leaves behind her sister Ann Marvin (the late Wayne) Searls and her children:  Matthew Istvan of Rochester, Gwendolyn Istvan (the late Tim) Corder of Florida, Bridget Istvan (Bill) White of Massachusetts; Amanda Istvan (Jim) Hartman of Irondequoit, and Amy Istvan Greenman (Michael Payne) of Holley.  She is also survived by eight grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and many extended family members.

Sandy’s family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff and volunteers of Aurora House of Western Monroe County for their compassion and dedication in her final days.

Sandy’s visitation will be held, Friday April 21, 4 – 6 PM at Vay-Schleich & Meeson Funeral Home, 1075 Long Pond Road.  Her Memorial Service will follow at 6 PM.  In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial contribution to the Aurora House http://www.aurorahousewmc.com/donating/.