TOUNTAS, Sandra L.

Sandra L. Tountas 68, of Tucson, passed away on Saturday, May 7, 2011. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was born in Santa Monica, CA on February 25, 1943 to the late William and Norma Sponheimer. She graduated from Tucson High in 1960, and went on to the University of Arizona, where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and a teaching certificate in 1964. That same year she met and fell in love with Peter Tountas. They married in 1965. Art was always an important part of her life, and over the years she expressed herself in various art forms, including sculpture, ceramics, painting, sewing and "Sandy's Santas" gourds painted in the old Byzantine style. She also designed original jewelry for over 20 years, creating many beautiful and exquisite pieces. Sandy had a warm personality, an infectious sense of humor and was extremely devoted to her friends and family. She was a long-time member of the Los Cerros Garden Club. She enjoyed bowling and golfing. Sandy is survived by her brother, Edward Sponheimer of Loveland, CO; her two children, Michael and Michelle and her four grandchildren, Peter, Weston, Nichole and Colton. A celebration of her life, Memorial Luncheon, will be held on Friday, May 13, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church Hall at 1145 East Fort Lowell Road, Tucson, AZ 85719. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, gifts be made to the Hellenic Cultural Foundation at 1145 East Fort Lowell Rd., Tucson, AZ 85719, which offers scholarship opportunities to University of Arizona students, or to melanoma research at the Arizona Cancer Center. Please make gifts payable to UAF-Arizona Cancer Center, melanoma research, and send to 1515 N. Campbell Ave., Tucson, AZ, 85724. Arrangements entrusted to ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel, 742-7901. Arizona Daily Star, May 12, 2011