SHARE

Central PA Mom ID'd As RM Palmer Company HR Director Killed In Chocolate Factory Explosion

A 49-year-old Ephrata mom has been identified as one of the victims of the RM Palmer Company Chocolate Factory explosion, according to the Berks County Coroner's office.

Amy Sandoe.

Amy Sandoe.

Photo Credit: LinkedIn/Amy Sandoe

Amy Futer Sandoe, is believed to have died "instantly" as she was leaving the office, according to her family, although the coroner has yet to confirm this.

She had been with the company since August 2019 in the Human Resources Department and she had become the director of the department in January 2022, according to her LinkedIn.

Prior to coming onboard at RM Palmer Company she was the Human Resources Manager for Dairy Farmers of America in Reading, for six and a half years. Before that, she held the same role at  Pennsy Supply Inc. in Annville for six years, as she detailed on her profile. 

Amy was a self-described "A wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister...and a lifelong friend..." as she wrote in her Facebook bio.

Her cousin, Amber Strauss Wyman shared the following:

"Her dad has lived with her for probably 20 or so years, and she has cared for him without tiring. She loved to ride motorcycle with her hub. I never knew her without a smile on her face. Usually she was listening and laughing at her crazy cousins. She was always so present and really cared about everyone’s story. Amy, we will miss you terribly. Your family won’t be the same without your huge presence. We will look after them. I’ll be praying for all of you who loved her so fiercely."

She is survived by her husband Keith, two child, two grandchildren, as well as her father, extended family, coworkers, and friends, according to social media.

Her loving, kind, and good spirit will always be remembered, her friends say.

A meal train has been started to help the family. You can donate or sign-up to volunteer here

Berks County and West Reading officials have also launched a fund for all those affected by the explosion, you can donate to that here

Those needing emotional support following this tragedy can use the RM Palmer Company hotline by emailing: Palmercrisishotline@gmail.com or calling (610)-374-5224x539. The hotline is staffed daily from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m., according to a statement the company released on Facebook

to follow Daily Voice Adams and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE