
Sandra Plunkett-Cyphers, of Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, went home to be with the Lord, entering His loving arms and eternal peace on January 19, 2026. Sandra was born on October 16, 1946, in Fort Benning, Georgia, to Fred and Helen Miley. She lived a life defined by faith, strength, compassion, and unwavering devotion to her family and community. She was a beloved mother to John Plunkett (Lori), Evelyn Hardy (Dennis), Cassandra Fowler (Craig), and Billie Jeanne (Robert Burry Jr.). Sandra’s greatest joy was her family, and she cherished each of her children deeply. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Helen Miley; her loving husband, Michael Cyphers; her brother, Fred Miley; and her sister, Helen O'Sullivan. Sandra was immensely proud of her grandchildren and loved them wholeheartedly: Michael Plunkett (Dana), Stefanie Donaho (John), Zachary Plunkett (Madelyn), Dennis Hardy (Caitlin), Olivia Galli (Patrick), Sean Hardy (Meagan), Austin Hardy (Devyn), Joseph Hardy (Rachel), Ryan Fowler (Faith), Rachel Lopez (Juan), Mitchell Fowler (Jessica), Logan Fowler (Paige), Noah Cusatis, Kathryn Burry (fiancé Francisco Lopez), Robert Burry III, Maia Burry, Aiden Burry, Hunter Burry, Julia Burry, Isabella Burry, Elisabeth Burry, and Madeline Burry, as well as her 11 great-grandchildren, who brought her endless pride and joy. Sandra was a proud Registered Nurse, graduating from SUNY Broome Community College, and devoted many years of service at Barnes-Kasson Hospital, where she was known for her skill, kindness, and unwavering dedication to her patients. Driven by her deep desire to help others, she later earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Marywood University. She served as a social worker with Broome County Court Services, working closely with inmates and individuals involved in the justice system, and later dedicated many years of service at the Broome Developmental Center, where she continued her lifelong commitment to advocacy and compassionate care for the underserved. Beyond her professional life, Sandra found joy in the simple and meaningful moments. She was an avid animal lover, had a well-known sweet tooth, and treasured time spent surrounded by her family. One of her greatest pleasures was traveling on cruises with her husband, Michael, creating cherished memories filled with laughter, relaxation, and love. Sandra was a strong and determined single parent who raised four children on her own, modeling resilience, perseverance, and unconditional love. In pursuit of a better life for her children, she relocated with her parents to Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, a decision rooted in courage, sacrifice, and hope. She firmly believed that with hard work and determination, anything was possible. Sandra’s warmth, strength, and generosity touched countless lives, and she will be deeply and forever missed by all who knew and loved her. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 11am at Nativity BVM Church, 99 E. Tioga Street, Tunkhannock, PA 18657. Arrangement entrusted to the Thomas J. Hughes Funeral Home, 1240 St. Ann’s Street, Scranton, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Sandra’s memory to True Friends Animal Welfare, P.O. Box 485, Montrose, PA 18801.
“Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon her.
May she rest in peace. Amen.”
Visitation
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Funeral Services
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Guestbook
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Lori Drozdis
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Billy Jean and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. May God comfort you during this most difficult time. hugs and prayers to all.
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Dan Cebrick
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Billie, Sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. The letting go of a loved one is never easy. Our faith reminds us that life has changed but is not ended. Now, she lives God and her loved ones that have traveled the journey to eternal life before her. Peace. Dan
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Sandra J Davis (Consla)
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Thoughts and Prayers!! I'm so sorry for your loss.
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Carol Plunkett
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Sandy and her children have always meant so much to us. Our hearts break at the loss of her but our memories are long. Our thoughts and prayers are with her children and grandchildren. With love, Aunt Carol and Uncle Bill
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Michael Vaughn
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I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. She was a wonderful lady and always treated me so well.
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Dorothea (Dottie) Colwell
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My sincere condolences to the family of Sandra Plunkett. I loved her dearly. We met when she came to work as an RN with me on the med-surge floor at Barnes Kasson Hospital. We worked TOGETHER for many years. She was truly a gift to me--we worked hand and glove taking care of our patients. In my eyes she completed the team on the 3-ll PM shift., along with several other gifted nursing staff members. She left a large hole in my heart when she left to pursue another branch of nursing. All of us missed her so much.
I was able to visit with her several times over the years after Ed and I moved to Florida in 1999.
Again, I'm so sorry for the loss of your Mother. I saw how hard she worked alone to raise you in your formative years. What an example . Take care--with love. Dottie Colwell
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