Sandra Lee Vigil

Our world shifted when Sandra Lee (Gilchrist) Vigil made her heavenly transition on July 31, 2025. She was 79 years old. Sandra was a beloved, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.

Called San’lee by her father, and Saulee by her siblings, Sandra was born May 6, 1946 in Newport News, VA to the late Leemar and Louise Gilchrist. She was the fifth of nine children. Reared in the Christian faith, Sandra was baptized at the family church of St. Timothy COCHUSA in Newport News. She recommitted her life to Christ, a few weeks before her passing.

She attended public schools in Newport News and Hampton, graduating from Phenix High School in the mid-1960s. She also earned a diploma from the Ron Bailie School of Broadcast in 1982.

After high school, Sandra moved to the Maryland-DC area, where she met and married Norman L. Vigil, her husband of nearly 50 years. She lived in several states, including Spokane, WA, where she met her good friend Candy Crane and many members of her husband’s family. Sandra also spent several years in Germany during one of her husband’s enlistments. They raised two sons, Jamil and Tristin, whom Sandra loved and supported with all her heart. She deeply loved her grandchildren and was a mother to Enid Knockum, who had been left in her care.

Sandra loved being around people and her circle of family and friends was diverse. The lives she touched throughout her lifetime transcended all boundaries. She provided shelter to those who needed it. She babysat and loved their children, listened to the troubles of the women and girls in her life, wiped their tears and cast no judgement.

She lived in Colorado for many years, before returning to Virginia to care for her parents until their passing. She returned to Colorado shortly thereafter. Sandra worked in several industries throughout her life. Her last position before retirement was as a nutrition research technician for the University of Colorado Pediatrics Unit.

Sandra attracted attention wherever she went. She was known for her flawless makeup and would do yours too, if you asked. She always got compliments on her hair and outfits. She loved sweets, watching action movies, bowling, bingo, and many genres of music. As a child, Sandra took piano lessons and at one time could play that instrument. In her young adult life, she was creatively astute at decorating and organizing a home.

Sandra was the favorite aunt to Howard Matthews Jr., who preceded her in death in 2025. They enjoyed many pizza and movie nights together.

In addition to her husband, Norman, sons, Jamil and Tristin Vigil, Sandra is survived by two brothers Edward (Jackie) Gilchrist and Anthony Gilchrist, sisters Delma Farrell, Velma Parker, Joanna Ogbonna and Brenda Gilchrist, grandchildren, Toren Underwood, Iona Vigil, Anajah Vigil, Amari Gilchrist-Vigil, and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was a huge presence in all our lives and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. May she rest in Heavenly peace.