Obituary of Sandra Kay Fortelka

Sandra Kay (McCarty) Fortelka, age 84, of Colorado Springs, Colorado left us for a brighter and pain free 'life' on August 8, 2023. She was a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend to many.  

Leaving behind are her loving children, Bridget C. (Fortelka) Meyer and husband Mark, Debra A. (Fortelka) Gates and husband Douglas, Robert J. Fortelka; along with granddaughter, Janell W. (Fowler) Milan; great-grandson, Aiden Milan; nieces, nephews, her beloved furbaby, Feather, grand-furbabies, Buck, John Boy and Bentley, dear friends and neighbors.  

Preceded in death by her father and mother, Clell and Isabel (Otey) McCarty; her husband, Albert F. Fortelka (of 41 years); and four brothers and sisters, Clellene (Fry) McCarty, David McCarty, Jeanette McCarty (Baldwin/Johnson/Smith) and Bert McCarty, all from Colorado Springs, Colorado.   

Sandy was a Colorado native, born in Colorado Springs at Beth-El Hospital, today Memorial Hospital, on May 12, 1939 and grew up on the west side of the city on Glenn Avenue. Sandy understood what was important in this world and sought to impart her wisdom by example through her thoughtful listening, her care for her family and her gentleness with nature. She was a licensed beautician and practiced for many years. In addition, she opened a submarine sandwich shop (Family’s Submarines) with her husband, Albert in the mid 70’s where she ran the daily operations of the business, enjoyed the customers and always ensured the special delivery of Air Force Academy orders were on time. The cadets truly looked forward to those ‘Family Submarine’ sandwiches during their squad meetings.  

Sandy was always up for games during any holiday 'get together' . She truly enjoyed entertaining and pulling out the cards or a board game, for all that wanted to play, AFTER the table was cleared from the large meals she made was a sure bet! She was also an avid bowler playing on many leagues. Her sense of humor was sarcastically smart and she always had a very funny come back when anyone engaged. She was just fun to be around!  

Reading and soaking up the splendor of the Rocky Mountains was a daily routine for Sandy. She always looked forward to trips to the family cabin, in Divide, Colorado where she enjoyed throwing a line into the lake to see what she might catch. Sandy also had an uncanny green thumb as evident by her gardens in the backyard and in the mornings (weather permitting) she would be found lounging in her robe with her cup of coffee and a cigarette on the patio. She always had an ‘open door policy’ for the stray cats that happened upon her porch and they knew they were welcomed. 

She loved crab legs, all Mexican food and made the most delicious salads! Sandy’s guilty pleasure was gambling which she LOVED and ALWAYS looked specifically for the slot machines with Lions on the wheels where she carefully rubbed the screen for 'luck' before pulling the arm!  

Most importantly, Sandy genuinely LOVED her kids and showed true concern for each of them. She was always there for a shoulder to cry on, an advisor when needed or simply an interested ear to bend. Sandy was loved and adored by many and will be missed greatly.

We want to send a special thank you to Bob, Jamillan and the hospice staff of Optum Hospice, and all of the medical professionals for their loving care of our Mom during these past months.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Optum Hospice of Colorado Springs, 6270 Lehman Drive, Suite 150, Colorado Springs, CO, 80918. 
 

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