Sandra Jean Kotcher

Sandra Jean Kotcher, age 86, of Canton, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Monday morning, January 12, 2026. She was born on August 7, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of the late Frederick Bernhardt and the late Charlotte Zarzycki Bernhardt. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Darryl Kotcher, and her brother, Gordon Bernhardt (Sandy). Sandra met Ray Kotcher at St. Francis de Sales High School in Detroit. When Ray’s family later moved to Florida, the two stayed in touch, nurturing a connection that grew into a remarkable, loving partnership spanning 64 years of marriage. Sandra worked as a secretary at Burroughs, Inc. until 1962, when she chose to devote herself fully to raising her family. Sandra is survived by her husband, Ray; her sons, Kevin Kotcher (Larry) and Vincent Kotcher (Jahna); her cherished grandchildren, Christopher Kotcher, Cory Kotcher (Paige), and Kaitlyn Kotcher; and her sisters, Christine Zalewski (Mitchell) and Doreen Lalka (Patrick). She was also aunt and great-aunt to many nieces and nephews. Sandra will be remembered for her playful sense of humor, quick smile, and engaging laugh. She enjoyed friendly competition and took great delight in games of cards, Scrabble, Yahtzee, and bingo—always playing to win, but always having fun. She also found quiet pleasure in reading and tackling crossword puzzles. Above all, Sandra cherished her family. She treasured family camping trips and loved holiday gatherings. She took great joy in decorating her home for the season and lovingly upheld traditions such as decorating Christmas cookies and coloring Easter eggs with her grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Sandra’s honor to the American Cancer Society. Please join us in remembering and celebrating Sandra’s life. Visitation Sunday, January 18th 2-8 PM with a 7 PM Rosary at Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home, 46401 Ann Arbor Road West (between Sheldon & Beck) Plymouth. In state Monday, Jan 19th 10:30 AM until the 11 AM Funeral Mass at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 44800 Warren Road, Canton, MI 48187 To share a memory, please use the share a memory tab on this webpage.

Sandra Jean Kotcher

August 7, 1939 - January 12, 2026