Sandra "Sanje" Jean Musengo

Sandra Jean (Sanje) Musengo 

August 16, 1942 – December 15, 2025 

Sandra Jean Musengo, affectionately known as Sanje by her many friends and loved ones, passed away in Cincinnati, Ohio on December 15, 2025 while surrounded by family and her quickly devoted care team at The Christ Hospital. She was 83 years old. 

Born August 16, 1942 in Van Wert, Ohio, Sanje was adored by her parents Dean and Lucille Knittle. She easily reciprocated the same adoration for them, often remarking that her mother was her best friend. While having successfully completed the nursing program at Elkhart College in Elkhart, Indiana, her true gifts were revealed in decorating interiors. As a designer, Sanje possessed a real knack for color, style, craftsmanship, and good taste. This was easily seen in the routine care and attention she afforded herself and others. 

Late in her career, Sanje worked as an independent manufacturer’s representative in the furniture and accessories industry, frequently winning praise and award from her peers and companies alike. Always active amidst a busy schedule, she enjoyed playing tennis, pickleball, and golf, and also practiced Pilates for more than 30 years. 

Sanje was unwavering in the devotion and attention she showed her family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother to 10, and great-grandmother to five. Having just traveled with her husband Gary less than two months ago, Sanje loved seeing the world, replicating the foods she found elsewhere in her own kitchen, and entertaining friends regardless of whether they were longtime or newly found. 

Sanje is survived by her loving husband of 30 years, Gary Musengo; her children Melissa Pruitt (Chris Pruitt) and Eric Dustman (Renee Dustman); her stepson David Talboo (Angie Talboo); her grandchildren, Brad, Kayl (Linzie Talboo), Harrison (Ashtyn Pruitt), Madeline, Ethan, Lucy, Tatum, Amelia, Trey, and Witt; and her great grandchildren Phillip, Brooks, Riley, Callum, and another due this coming June. Sanje instilled in those closest to her the value of family, togetherness, and connection, ideals that were forever encouraged and practiced by her late parents. 

A visitation and Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025 at St John’s the Evangelist Catholic Church in West Chester, Ohio beginning at 10:00AM. A procession to Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery for internment will immediately follow. A Celebration of Life event will be held in early May 2026 to ensure that Sanje’s many friends and loved ones can join together from all parts of the world. Rejoicing in the many gifts she shared and the fun love she lent to everyone will be paramount.