Sandra Frances “Sandy” Moroney of Umatilla passed away peacefully on Oct. 22, 2025 in Hermiston at the age of 78.
Born on Sept. 19, 1947 in Philadelphia, Pa., she was the beloved daughter of Stephen and Muriel Gunderson Beno.
Sandy spent her early years in Beverly, N.J., where she completed schooling before pursuing higher education at Rutgers University School of Engineering. She earned her bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in 1979. Sandy dedicated several years to her profession as a chemical engineer, contributing her expertise to various companies. Her favorite project was at Pfizer in Valparaiso, Ind. She was the startup engineer for a new manufacturing plant that produced magnetic iron oxide used in high-quality VCR recording tape.
On July 12, 1986, she married Richard Moroney in Villa Park, Ill.
In the 1990s, she chose to retire from her engineering career to focus on raising her son and managing her home. Sandy had a deep commitment to family. In 2011 she relocated to Umatilla with Richard Moroney, where she made her home until passing.
A passionate traveler and accomplished quilter, Sandy’s creativity and talent brought her numerous awards for her unique designs. Her favorite project was making baby quilts for the children of her extended family and friends. She also generously crafted hundreds of quilts, many of which were donated to charitable organizations, touching countless lives with her artistry and kindness.
Sandy Frances Moroney will be remembered for her intelligence, warmth, and generosity. Her legacy lives on through her family, her beautiful quilts, and the many lives she touched along the way.
She is survived by her loving husband and their son, Daniel Moroney.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Stephen.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 at the Burns Mortuary Chapel, 685 W. Hermiston Ave.
Sandy’s body will be interred at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Illinois in spring 2026.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Operation Smile are welcomed.
