Betty Sandford

06/18/1927 - 01/13/2021 We are sad to tell you that the remarkable Betty Sandford has passed away. She was known as an activist, mentor and fighter for the underserved. She devoted herself to the community of Monrovia, where she was born and lived for over 90 years. Betty worked hard in the Nuclear Freeze movement. When Al Gore led the first climate change conference in Brazil, she was there. Always concerned about education, she served on the Monrovia School Board. Betty's philosophy was always, "Don't just talk about a problem, do something." Travel, adventure and experiencing other cultures was a passion for Betty. She journeyed to every continent, with the exception of Antarctica. She was a voracious reader, preferring non-fiction, always wanting to learn something new. Betty became an avid runner in her late 40's, running the hills and streets of Monrovia and beyond. She won numerous races in her age category, and maintained her fitness routine, working out with her trainer three days each week, up until her death. In her late 80's, Betty took up the jazz drums, and was so fortunate to have the renowned jazz drummer, the Great Roy McCurdy as her instructor. Betty loved food - she could taste any dish and tell you what was in it. Although Betty said she never told a lie, she certainly knew how to embellish a story. Although her achievements and honors are many, Betty Sandford was our mother (Randy, Leslie and Kevin Sandford), our grandmother (Sarah, Rebecca, Alicia and Mia, and newest grandchildren Molly, Mason and Merrin), our great grandmother (Zoe, Jules, Isaac, Daniel and David), and long-time family friend and roommate (Liz Burby). She was extraordinary in these roles. If you would like to honor Betty, we ask that you please donate to your favorite charity, write a letter to the editor, volunteer - do something to make our world, our country or your community a better place.