Sandra Brenner

BRENNER - Sandra ("Sandy") Helen (Klein), 86, passed away quietly on January 3, 2016, filled with the love of her family. Born in Watertown, NY, to the late Leon and Lillian (Ratner) Klein, she grew up and attended schools in Albany, NY, graduating from Albany High School. Sandy developed her lifelong love of the water during summers spent in Long Beach, NY, instilling in her a respect for sustaining natural environments, which she spent her life dedicated to. Attended Cazenovia College and Adelphi University, receiving a Masters in Social Work. Married to the late Melvin C. Brenner just shy of 60 years, they resided in N. Massapequa for 54 years. Sandy balanced a life of family, work, activism, politics, the arts, recreation and travel. Friends made along the way became lifelong relationships: a reflection of the love Sandy exuded and received. Working with children and families during her social work career at the Parkville School Head Start program in Great Neck, NY, she impacted countless lives as an advocate for those in need. An early supporter of the Women's Movement of the 60s-70s, Sandy lobbied for equal rights for women. Spent her life engaged in politically liberal values, peace activism, and ran for State Assemblywoman in 1972. She was a founding member of the Farmingdale Cultural Arts Program. Sandy raised three independent daughters who she was very proud of. Her role as grandmother brought enormous delight and enrichment to her retirement years, savoring every opportunity to be with her grandchildren. An avid bird lover, she traipsed around the world with Mel, scoping out local species. Also in retirement, Sandy volunteered countless hours on behalf of a single-payer health care system. Residing at Jefferson's Ferry Retirement Community in S. Setauket since 2010, Sandy created new friendships and participated in activities until her health declined. The loving care provided to her throughout her stay at Bove Health Center at Jefferson's Ferry was truly phenomenal. Surviving family includes daughters Janis Brenner and husband Mitchell Bogard of NYC; Amy Schettini, husband, Frank, and son Daniel, of Long Beach, CA, and Leslie Brenner and children Leigh and Frank Steinman of Portsmouth, NH; brother Alan Klein and wife, Mary Ellen of IL, a niece, nephews and cousins. The family will celebrate Sandy's life privately. Contributions may be made in her memory to the Southern Poverty Law Center, Planned Parenthood or a charity of your choice.