Sandy Lim Gordon, whose grace and kindness touched many lives, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2025, at the Houston Hospice House.
Known for her strength, joy, and generosity, Sandy was born on July 4, 1974 in Pailin, Cambodia, to Linda Kim and Pheng Lim. Sandy, her mother, and her siblings — survivors of the Khmer Rouge regime — found a new beginning in Black Mountain, N.C., in September 1981, thanks to the sponsorship of a kind guardian angel, Margaret Whiteside.
Sandy’s extraordinary work ethic emerged early in life when, in middle school, she began working after-school jobs in restaurants to help support her family. She attended the University of North Carolina at Asheville and went on to become a successful restaurateur, beginning modestly and on a small scale with a doughnut shop at age 19. Sandy continued to follow her passion, owning beloved sushi restaurants in Davidson, Huntersville, Mooresville, and Charlotte, N.C., where she welcomed her customers, both local and those who drove distances, with her signature warmth and hospitality.
Sandy’s greatest joy and source of pride was being mother to her three children: David (24), Sarah (19), and Kalman (7). Sandy was deeply involved in her children’s education – regularly volunteering, serving as classroom mom, and supporting each of her children’s school communities – through which she touched countless lives of all ages.
In 2012, Sandy was diagnosed with a brain tumor. True to her indomitable spirit, Sandy never let this health struggle define her or lessen her beautiful smile, bright outlook and zest for life. In fact, many friends were surprised to learn of her condition even years after meeting her. In 2019, Sandy and her family relocated to Houston, Texas, for treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Sandy loved hosting dinner parties and setting the stage for gatherings of family and friends to spend time together. Her new Houston friends, like those in North Carolina, were captivated by her exceptional cooking and effortless hospitality. Sandy’s famous spread of Asian and American dishes always included fresh vegetables and herbs from her home garden.
Sandy consistently reached out to those in need of emotional support with deliveries of delicious food and heartfelt, caring words. Even during her final months, while under home hospice care, Sandy meticulously compiled a cookbook of her favorite recipes for each of her children and others, complete with detailed instructions and photographs, ensuring that she could continue to share her culinary gift with those she loved and their loved ones.
A devoted wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend, Sandy’s impact on her community was profound and far-reaching. She transformed every life she touched with her kindness, resilience, and genuine care for others. Her ability to create joy and connection through food and hospitality was unmatched, and her legacy of love and generosity will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Sandy was preceded in death by her father, Pheng Lim.
In addition to her three children, Sandy is survived by her husband, Louis Gordon of Houston, Texas; her mother, Linda Kim of Mooresville, N.C.; brothers, Charlie Lim (Hung) and Jack Lim (Larysa); sisters, Gechlai Lim (Saly), Ellen Chien (Peter), and Betty Lim (Matt); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A memorial service is to be conducted at two o’clock central time, three o’clock eastern time, in the afternoon on Sunday, the 26th of January, 2025, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family and share remembrances of Sandy during a reception in the adjacent grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons.
For those unable to attend the service in-person, virtual attendance may be accessed by visiting Mrs. Gordon’s online memorial tribute at GeoHLewis.com and selecting the “Join Livestream” icon on the service section. While there, you may also share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with her family by selecting the “Add a Memory” icon.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the St. John’s School of Houston (Sandy Gordon Memorial Fund) www.sjs.org/sandy-gordon-fund, MD Anderson Cancer Center (brain tumor cancer research) www.mdanderson.org/gifts or Hospice of Iredell County https://apps.hoic.org/donate-now
Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors is serving the family.