Sandra Joy Zent

Sandra Joy Zent (Sandy), 77 of Austin, was greeted by a choir of angels as the face of her Lord and Savior smiled upon her on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Sandy was born Dec. 19, 1943 in Gonzales, Texas to Hilderine Hinricks (Keet) and Herbert Wilson (Sag). Sandy was an elementary school teacher, a career that spanned three decades beginning in Houston, with several years in Leander and the bulk of years in Round Rock where she retired in 2002.

Sandy graduated from Gonzales High School with the class of 1962 where she was a head cheerleader for the Gonzales Apaches. She then graduated from Southwest Texas State University where she was a member of the Strutter drill team.

Sandy married the love of her life, Ronnie Zent, on May 3, 2003. The couple packed a lifetime of memories and activities into the 12 years they shared together including building the home their home in Austin and traveling. Many trips were made to Belize in connection with Ronnie’s real estate holdings there. In the last years of Ronnie’s life, Sandy was laser focused on every detail of his health care.

Sandy prioritized her life by faith, family, and a wide circle of friends. She was endlessly devoted to Ronnie and daughter, Michele, and her family. It was simply a part of life to socialize, visit and keep up with family, high school friends, teacher friends, and other friends she embraced along life’s journey. Sandy adored her grandchildren and kept up with their activities. Sandy Grand was her finest role.

Sandy kept healthy and mentally fit. Her sharp mind kept active by reading and keeping up daily with local, statewide, and national events. Music was always a part of her life and she sang in the River Bend Church choir for many years. Post retirement, she joined Bible Study Fellowship. In later years, she was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Austin where she taught Sunday School. An animal lover, Sandy was never without a furry four-legged family member or two residing with her.

Sandy was a proud fifth generation Texan. Her great-great grandfather, Benjamin Duncan, owned a ferry on the San Marcos River. Sam Houston burned the ferry at the time of the Run-away-Scrape and Duncan had to build a raft to get his pregnant wife and bring her back across to join Sam Houston in the Texas Revolution. On a side note, the baby was born in San Jacinto.

Sandy is preceded in death by her husband: Ronnie; parents; and brother-in-law: Bill Dumas. Left behind to grieve her passing is daughter: Joy Michele Hirschhorn (Jack); sister: Billie Dumas; grandchildren: John, Justin, Jared and Jacqueline Hirschhorn; stepdaughter: Jessica Heflin (Blake); granddaughter: Elena Grace Heflin; nieces: Donna Schmatz (Jeff) and DiAnne Young; great-nephews: Jason Huebinger (Yasmin), Ryan Huebinger (Iona), and Jeremy Schmatz; and numerous other beloved family, friends and acquaintances.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 26, 2021 in Seydler-Hill Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 27, 2021 in Seydler-Hill Funeral Home with Rev. Kris Crawford officiating. Interment will follow in Hermann Sons’ Cemetery. Pallbearers: Jack Hirschhorn, John Hirschhorn, Jared Hirschhorn, Jeff Schmatz, Jeremy Schmatz, Dr. Ryan Huebinger, and Jason Huebinger. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, or the charity of one’s choice. Family and friends may leave their condolences by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com.

Seydler-Hill Funeral Home strongly recommends attendants taking protective measures regarding social distancing, usage of hand sanitizers and wearing personal protective masks for the visitation and chapel service. Those remotely symptomatic of COVID-19 are politely asked not to attend. Services are under the care and direction Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.