Sandra "Sandy" Sue Speciale Podbielski, age 78, of Spring City, Tennessee, passed away peacefully April 28, 2023, at her home, surrounded by family and friends.

Sandy was born December 30, 1944, in Harrisonburg, Virginia, to William Robert and Ruth Louise Layman "Granny" Purcell.  She attended Harrisonburg High School and later moved to Spring City where she owned and operated Rhea Harbor Resort and Marina for more than 37 years.

Sandy was known for her love of people, love of cooking for them, as well as willingness always to help in any way she could. Anyone who knew her knows she loved Christmas, flamingos and having her family close by.  Spending time with her grandchildren was a highlight for her.  Sandy enjoyed scuba diving in the local lakes as well as the British Virgin Islands. She loved and protected the community around the lake.

Sandy supported several local agencies. She had a special heart for the TWRA officers and their work with the local kids fishing rodeo; she had a long, caring relationship with the Rhea County Sheriff's Department and loved to support the volunteer fire departments.  Sandy was recognized by TWRA for her "Outstanding Efforts Towards Boating Safety."  She was always willing to provide a "lollipop" for any child or adult who wore a lifejacket while on the lake; she would make them "pinky promise" to wear it the entire time in the boat and on the docks, with the reward of the lollipop being earned once they were back and reported in!  Sandy loved their excitement!!  She was bestowed an honorary membership to the Harrisonburg Hose Company No. 4 Fire Department in her hometown. Sandy always had a fire boot for the local donations at her door.

Sandy met her husband, Mark, in 1994 and they married the following fall. They enjoyed motorcycle trips and camping, taking in the scenery and exploring new places, and cheering on the UT Vols. She missed her family and friends back home in Virginia but visited often. Those that know Sandy know her most favorite spot was to be on her front porch, looking out on Watts Bar Lake. She invited everyone to come sit with her and enjoy the birds and the view as well as an engaging conversation.  A rainbow after a storm was a plus.

Sandy was preceded in death by her loving parents, her sister Katherine "Kitty" Ellis, infant sister Th e resa Ann Purcell, and grandsons Nicolas Speciale and Chase Thompson.

Her survivors include her husband of 27 years, Mark Podbielski; sons Stephen (wife Tammy) Speciale of Spring City TN; Ben (wife Kim) Speciale of Kennesaw GA; Joe (wife Kelly) Speciale of Spring City TN; step-daughter Heather (husband Jeremy) Thompson of Spring City TN; her younger brother, Billy (wife Patty) Purcell of Ruckersville VA; her grandchildren Jeremy and Stephen Speciale, Natalie and Abigail Speciale, Hannah (husband Barrett) Bice and Lauren Speciale, Chandler (wife Danielle) Thompson and great-grandchild Owen Thompson (son of Chase), and many, many other close friends and relatives.

The family would like to thank all of her wonderful caregivers, including Renee' Argo, her special angel Pat Stapleton, and Hearth Hospice.

Sandy will be remembered and missed by all.

Funeral services will be Saturday, May 6, 2023, in the chapel of Vaughn Funeral Home with Rev. Paul Forgey officiating. The family will receive friends, Friday May 5, 2023, from 6 to 8 PM at Vaughn Funeral Home and again Saturday from 1pm until the time of services at 3PM. Sandy will be taken home to Virginia for interment on Monday, May 8, 2023 at 11am in the Eastlawn Memorial Gardens, 3289 Spotwood Trail, Harrisonburg , VA  22801.

Vaughn Funeral Home, Spring City is in charge of the arrangements of Sandra Sue "Sandy" Speciale Podbielski and ask that friends and loved ones share their memories of her on their website www.vaughn-funeral-home.com

In lieu of flowers, the family asks to support a memorial fund to supply TWRA officers with free kids' life jackets to promote safe boating and carry on Sandy's legacy: a "Pinky Promise" to wear a life jacket. Sandy Speciale Podbielski – Kids Life Jackets @

https://gofund.me/1ad89ae3