Sandra M. Lacko

Sandra M. Lacko (Sandy) of Lansing, NY, 82, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on January 8, 2026. Sandra was born on December 13, 1943, in Auburn, New York, the daughter of Rex and Marion (Larson) Manzari. Sandra grew up in Genoa, NY, and lived most of her life in Lansing, graduating from Genoa High School in 1961.

Sandy lived a life marked by kindness, strength, and a deep devotion to her family and community.

Sandy was the beloved wife of Albert J. Lacko. Together, they shared 59 years of marriage filled with love and partnership. She was a devoted mother to Sheryl (Sheri) Munson (Jonathan), Edward Lacko (Tracy), and Lynne Sheldon (Tim), and a cherished grandmother to Katie Munson Kelly; Hannah and Blake Lacko, Garrett Carlineo; Serafina and Steven Parus and Cassara and Caitlynn Sheldon.

She is also fondly remembered by her siblings, Kenneth (Butch) Manzari, Ralph (Bud) Manzari, and Jeanette Davis. In addition to her parents, Sandy was predeceased by her sister and her best friend, Carol Seamon.

Sandy dedicated over two decades of her professional life as a clerk at the Tompkins County DMV. Her warm demeanor and genuine care for others left a lasting impression on countless members of the community. It was often said that people would wait longer or let others go ahead just to have the chance to be helped by Sandy—a testament to the joy she brought even in everyday interactions.

Outside of work, Sandy found joy in simple pleasures that reflected her nurturing spirit. She loved baking and cooking meals for her family, creating not just food but memories that will be treasured for generations. She also enjoyed watching birds at feeders near her home and took delight in tending to flowers—quiet pastimes that brought beauty into her daily life. Spending time with her family was Sandy’s greatest joy.

She was a member of All Saints Parish, where her spiritual life was a quiet but steady source of strength and comfort throughout the years. Her faith guided her life—with kindness, humility, and deep care for others.

Those who knew Sandy will remember her as kind-hearted, caring, and strong—a woman whose presence brought comfort and warmth to all around her.

The family would like to thank Sandy’s wonderful and caring caregivers, Jolene, Amber, Lexie, and Maddison, for their dedication to Sandy and her family.

Family and friends are invited to a period of visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Lansing Funeral Home, 32 Auburn Road, Lansing. A Catholic prayer service will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home, immediately followed by committal at Calvary Cemetery, Ithaca.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks those who would like to make a contribution in Sandra’s memory to kindly consider Foodnet Meals on Wheels, 2422 North Triphammer Road, Ithaca, NY 14850.