Sandra Mae (Cybroski) Billowitz DeGroat

Wantage -It is with great sorrow and bittersweet gratitude for our family to announce the passing of a Sandra Mae (Cybroski) Billowitz-DeGroat on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. She passed away peacefully after a brave and arduous battle with cancer. Sandie was born on February 6, 1949 to doting parents, Jule and Stanley Cybroski in Newark, New Jersey. Her childhood was an idyllic time in her life, which she recalled fondly. When she was nine years old, the family welcomed her sister, Sharon to the family. Sandie loved fiercely. In 1978, she married William Billowitz and went on to have a daughter named Melissa, whom she treasured every year of her life, creating beautiful memories and offering unconditional love —Sandie was a nurturer. Sandie was a talented artist. She sold her custom wood work to people across the state. Her crafts included wooden figurines for all holidays and indoor and outdoor country décor. Most notably, fellow Sussex County residents are apt to recognize her Santa Cows or wooden reindeer or farmer silhouettes that can still be seen on the front lawns of neighbors. Her grandson, Patrick has taken after her artistic talents and proudly displays them in his room. At Bernhard’s Red Mill, Sandie was a popular fixture, serving up food and drinks to local customers for years. She’s still friends with some of them. Sandie was an entrepreneur. In 1999, Sandie opened up her own hot dog stand, Hillbilly Hotdogs. Since then she could be recognized by travelers either on the side of Route 23 across from the municipal building or the American Legion, or at Tractor Supply on Route 23 as a friendly face to share a laugh with. Following decades of kinship, Sandie married her most dedicated friend, partner and companion, Roger DeGroat. Known and beloved by many, Sandie and Roger hosted the annual Plumsock Farm Consignment Auction for many years, enjoyed by thousands. A landmark to most Sussex County residents, her home was welcome to anyone who needed a friend or hoot, and the inside was completely decorated and renovated with care by her own two talented hands. Sandie welcomed all. Sandie was a storyteller, but most of all she would listen. She could recount distant memories with such detail that the listener felt like they were there. She had a cackle that could make anyone smile along with her. She provided love, comfort, hospitality, humor and stability to many. Sandie was caretaker. Having ushered loved ones as they passed, it is with great dignity and peace that she tackled her own passing, with her daughter by her side. Through her illness, while difficult, she remained brave and positive until the end, always trying to make people laugh. As usual, Sandie wouldn’t imagine having anyone make a fuss over her—so she requested no service, celebration of life or time to honor her. She wanted us all to rest, knowing she is no longer in pain. Sandie leaves behind her adoring daughter, Melissa (Billowitz) Kennedy; her most life changing partner, Roger DeGroat; sister, Sharon Rodriguez; and nieces, Melanie Gonzalez and Noelle Rodriguez. Her memory lives on with her cherished grandchildren, William, Patrick and Luke Kennedy; son-in-law, Derek Kennedy; step-children, Chantz DeGroat and Sarah Cino; step- grandchildren, Chantz and Gage DeGroat; nieces; and countless friends and acquaintances. Since Sandie decided against having services, she would appreciate your consideration in making a donation in her memory to the American Legion Post 213 in Sussex, where she was an active member of their Auxiliary. The address for the Legion is P.O. Box 447, Sussex, New Jersey 07461. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.pinkelfuneralhome.com

Sandra Mae (Cybroski) Billowitz DeGroat

February 6, 1949 - November 28, 2023