Sandra Lynn Mathiesen

Sandra “Sandi” Mathiesen (née Robinson), of Carmichael, California, passed away on April 17, 2026, at the age of 81.

Born in England on November 27, 1944, Sandi was the daughter of Vera Robinson, a Welsh war bride, and Dr. Herbert Robinson, an American serviceman. Her mother served as a radar operator in the Royal Air Force during World War II, and her father served in the U.S. Navy as a Chief Pharmacist Mate before later attending medical school through the GI Bill. As a young child, Sandi made the journey to the United States with her mother aboard the Queen Mary. While her father was still serving in the war, they stayed on his family’s ranch in Wyoming until he returned home. She grew up in California, Alaska, and Wyoming, experiences that remained an important part of her story throughout her life.

Sandi dedicated her professional life to caring for others as a nurse, a role she embraced with compassion and skill. She was naturally outgoing and loved striking up conversations with people wherever she went, genuinely enjoying getting to know others and hearing their stories. She formed lasting friendships throughout her life and brought warmth and kindness into every interaction.

She also had a deep love for art and painting, one of her greatest passions. She found peace and joy through creative expression, and her artwork reflected her spirit and appreciation for beauty in everyday moments. Creating and sharing art was a meaningful part of her life, and many of her pieces remain cherished by family and friends. In her later years, she enjoyed staying active and social in her independent living community, participating in activities, playing bingo, gaming, and even trying her luck at the casino.

Sandi cherished family deeply and embraced the many traditions that were part of her life, including those from her husband’s Danish heritage, always bringing warmth and enthusiasm to gatherings.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Viggo Mathiesen, with whom she shared many happy years.

She is survived by her daughter, Karen Gifford, and son-in-law, Richard Gifford, and their daughters, Annelisa and Tiffany; her son, Michael Mathiesen, and daughter-in-law, Shelley Mathiesen, and their children, Alexander and Natalie; and her brother, Scott Robinson. Her grandchildren brought her tremendous joy and were a constant source of pride.

A memorial service will be held on May 16, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Price Funeral Chapel in Citrus Heights. Following the service, family and friends are warmly invited to gather at Michael’s home, where many of Sandi’s art pieces will be on display in her honor.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Sandi’s name to the Sacramento Fine Arts Center, Inc., in celebration of her love for painting. Sandi will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

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