Lena Anita Sands, 56, of Haltom City Texas, passed away peacefully on Sept. 15, 2026, with her loving husband by her side. Lena was born on July 25, 1970, in Fort Gordon, Georgia. She was a smart, vibrant and passionate child with a personality that was impossible to forget. Lena and Robert Sands first met in the eighth grade and the impact Lena made on Robert left him smitten, beginning their incredible love story. After four years separated by geography and college life, Lena and Robert were reunited in 1991 and immediately fell in love again and would marry on Dec. 28, 1991 in Roanoke, Alabama. This was the beginning of 34 years of marriage filled with love, family, and laughter fueled by the wonderfully unique sense of humor they shared. After attending the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Wichita State University, Lena would go on to complete her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Hardin Simmons University in 1995. Lena devoted her life to sharing the love she carried with her daily. She was an amazing wife and a devoted mother to her children, Joey and Lindsay, whom she homeschooled from the first grade through high school graduation, guiding them with kindness and compassion. Her motherly love, however, extended far beyond her own children. Over the years, Lena opened her home and heart to many teenagers whom she called her bonus kids, providing a welcoming space where they knew they were safe, supported and cared for. The same love Lena held for her children extended not only to the people around her, but also to those she called her fur babies. Lena’s passion for animals, and especially poodles, was shown through the countless hours she devoted to Purr and Bark, the animal rescue she operated. Over the years Lena found loving homes for thousands of dogs and cats, as she did so with determination, empathy, and grace. While this was no small feat, Lena made it possible with a smile on her face and built many meaningful relationships along the way. Beyond her countless accomplishments, Lena was truly an unforgettable person. She was the life of the party, a friend to everyone she met, and generous beyond belief. She loved the color purple, traveling, music, movies, and laughing like there was no tomorrow. With her nearly eidetic memory she was also a stickler for the proper use of language and was merciless when it came to trivia games. Whether she was caring for her family, friends, her bonus kids, or her fur babies, she gave of herself freely. Her generosity and compassion touched more lives than she probably ever realized, and the impact of that love will live on through those individuals. Lena is survived by her dedicated husband of 34 years, Robert Sands of Haltom City, Texas; her son, Joseph Sands of North Richland Hills; her daughter, Lindsay Sands of Tyler, Texas; her loving mother and father in law, Thomas and Kathleen Sands of Denton, Texas, as well as the many friends and loved one’s whose lives were made better simply by knowing her. Lena leaves behind a beautiful legacy of laughter, generosity, compassion, and endless love. Her unforgettable spirit will be deeply missed, but the love she gave so freely will continue to live on in the countless lives she touched. A Memorial Mass celebrating Lena’s life will be held on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, 7421 Glenview Drive, North Richland Hills, 76180, followed by inurnment at Mount Olivet Cemetery. MOUNT OLIVET CHAPEL Greenwood Funeral Homes – Cremation 2301 N. Sylvania Avenue, Fort Worth 76111 817-831-0511

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