Sandra Long

Sandra “Sandy” MacDonald Long

October 4, 1940 – July 20, 2026

Sandra MacDonald Long, known to all as Sandy, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2026, following a short illness. She was lovingly and prayerfully surrounded by family and friends in her final days.

Sandy was born on October 4, 1940, in Niagara Falls, New York, to Floyd and Lillian MacDonald. She was raised in Erie, Pennsylvania, and later went on to graduate from Mercyhurst College. Sandy moved to Louisville, Kentucky, where she met Earl Long, who would become her husband of 54 years. Their journey together took them to Cleveland, Ohio, before they settled in Marietta, Georgia, to raise their family. They later relocated to South Carolina, moving between Greenville and Bluffton.

Sandy is survived by her brother, Craig MacDonald; son, Chris Long; daughter-in-law, Christy Long; son-in-law, Mark Hawkins and her beloved grandchildren, Wilder Long, Isabel Long, Lillian Long, Hunter Hawkins, and Ellie Hawkins. She was predeceased by her parents; husband, Earl Long; brothers, Floyd “Mickey” MacDonald and Neil MacDonald; and daughter, Carrie Hawkins.

Sandy was known for her singular creativity — she could make anything look prettier with a bow or a handful of flowers. A certified Master Gardener through Clemson University, she transformed dirt into beauty. Her work life spanned many jobs which included retail buyer for a department store, designer for a greenery, sales for furniture store and water aerobics instructor. She also delighted the Lowcountry with her signature gift baskets and wreaths through her business, Picked for You.

Sandy was instrumental in starting Young Life in Bluffton and Hilton Head. While in Greenville she worked with young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities with Young Life Capernaum. Sandy was an active member of the Church of the Cross and faithful volunteer at God’s Goods Thrift Store.

Above all, Sandy was known for her grace and kindness to everyone she met. She never encountered a stranger — only a friend she hadn’t yet had a warm conversation with. Sandy loved her family, and especially her grandchildren, with a ferocity and passion that was known deeply by all.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, August 8, at 10:00 AM at the Church of the Cross (Historic Campus), 110 Calhoun Street, Bluffton, SC 29910. Interment following and then a reception immediately after hosted by God’s Goods. In honor of Sandy’s vibrant spirit, guests are encouraged to wear bright and cheerful attire.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

Young Life Hilton Head/Bluffton

Young Life Capernaum