Sandra Deemer Harra

Sandra Deemer Harra, known fondly as Sandy, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 6, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family and friends. She was 79 years old.

Born on October 30, 1945, in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, Sandy grew up in a landscape rich with family history, nestled between the homes of her maternal and paternal grandparents. Despite challenges in her early life, Sandy found solace and inspiration in nature, her grandparents’ warm presence, and her formative experiences at Penn Square Elementary School, a place that nurtured her love for learning and creativity.

Sandy’s journey was anything but conventional. She attended Hood College in Frederick, Maryland, but left at 21, fueled by the idealism of the 1960s and her desire for a life beyond prescribed expectations. She participated in pivotal moments of the era, including the Civil Rights Movement and antiwar protests, and embraced a life filled with adventure and cultural exploration.

Her travels took her across the United States and around the world, from New Orleans and San Francisco to India, Nepal, Guatemala, Peru, the Caribbean and many other countries. Sandy lived on sailboats, experimented with self-sustaining lifestyles, and immersed herself in communal and spiritual experiences, shaping a perspective that valued connection, curiosity, and independence.

In 1972, Sandy met her life partner, Ed Harra, at a spiritual gathering in San Francisco. They married in 1973 and embarked on a shared life of creativity, resilience, and mutual respect that spanned more than five decades. Together, they raised their family and built a home filled with love, learning, and a commitment to their values.

A passionate advocate for education, Sandy was one of the founders of the alternative school within Harmony School in Occidental, California, inspired by her son Nathan's needs and her belief in fostering joyful, holistic learning environments. Her efforts reflected her childhood experience of safety and community in schools, which she sought to replicate for others.

Sandy later earned her teaching credential and specialized in art education, creating vibrant, nurturing spaces for middle school students. Her classes at Montgomery Elementary School in Cazadero, California became places where children felt seen, respected, and inspired to grow.

Beyond her career, Sandy’s life was a testament to exploration and artistry. Her travels to over 25 countries revealed her deep love for cultural exchange, textiles, and folk art, particularly in the Latin American and Mayan traditions. She found beauty and meaning in every experience, whether through quilting, canning, gardening, or simply sharing a laugh with loved ones.

Sandy was also a seeker, blending her spiritual journey with practical wisdom. Her time with the Foundation of Revelation early in her life, then later with the Berkeley Psychic Institute where her clairvoyant training and leadership as a teacher deepened her understanding of herself and others, providing her with tools that enriched every aspect of her life.

For the last 11 years Sandy found joy, physical strength, and spiritual growth through the practice of Chi Gong and Tai Chi. Many a traveler would do a double-take as they drove, biked or walked along the road by Austin Creek near Sandy and Ed’s home -- catching a glimpse of this lithe, graceful woman practicing these ancient arts at her favorite spot by the flowing water and the protecting woods.

Those who knew Sandy will remember her as a woman of unyielding authenticity, humor, and generosity. She brought light and laughter to every room, approached challenges with bravery, and celebrated the simple joys of life. Her ability to create a sense of home—whether in a garden, a classroom, or her relationships—leaves a legacy of love and gratitude.

Sandy is survived by her beloved husband, Ed, their children, Nathan and Matt, and an extended family of friends and admirers whose lives she profoundly touched.