Sandra Rand

1937 - 2021

HIGH FALLS-Sandra Rand passed on October 5, 2021, following a brief illness, at home with her husband and friends by her side. Born on February 13, 1937, in the Bronx, she was the daughter of Irving and Gertrude Goldman Golub. In 1958, Sandy received a Bachelor of Science in Education for Physically Handicapped and Speech Correction from SUNY Geneseo; that summer she married her husband, Nathan, in Spring Valley, to whom she was married for 63 years. He survives at home. She was a speech therapist for several years in upstate New York before moving to California in 1963 where she worked in special education with developmentally disabled children. After her daughters Ellen and Rachel were born, Sandy worked from home as a representative for both Avon and Tupperware. With another couple, she and her husband opened a bookstore called The Checkered Frog on Pedro Point in Pacifica, California to offer the community not only general books but to provide access to leading voices of the anti-war movement. Sandy and Nate moved to Clinton Corners, New York, in 1969. Following the birth of her third daughter, Judith, Sandy was a stay at home mom. Eventually moved by her strong desire to interact with people, she trained for and became a successful real estate salesperson. Over the next two decades, Sandy worked as a speech therapist for the Webatuck school district and as a retail clerk; an accomplished seamstress, she fabricated dresses from vintage patterns and fabrics, and caps and hats from polar fleece which she sold at craft fairs. In 1998 after moving to Red Hook, Sandy applied to the newly opening Home Depot in Kingston for employment as a kitchen designer. She spent over a decade in this position for both Home Depot and Lowes stores located in Kingston, Poughkeepsie, Highland and Newburgh, retiring in 2012. Sandy flourished in this role. A talented designer and baker, she brought her extraordinary empathy to partnering with clients to achieve kitchens that were the heart and center of their homes. Many complimentary letters were sent to her and her employers attesting to her patience and professional competence. During her daughters’ high school years, she hosted foreign exchange students. Jan Faldborg, of Denmark, became like a son and she and her husband have visited and shared life’s milestones with Jan and his family, attending his wedding and childrens’ christenings. Throughout her life she expressed her creative side through painting, writing and singing. Most recently she participated in the jazz jams at Mahoney’s. Sandy was a warm and open person who sought only the good in people. In addition to her husband she is survived by her three daughters, Ellen Kate Rand, and husband, Chris DiFrancesco, Rachel Lee Rogers, and Judith Eve Rand and life-partner, Eben Papele; four grandchildren, Jonah Rogers, Lee Worden, Isaac Rogers, Rafael DiFrancesco; one great granddaughter, Sophia; and one sister, Esther West, and husband, Chris. She was predeceased by her parents and granddaughter, Julia Rogers. A period of visitation will take place from 10 AM to 12 Noon, Tuesday, October 12th at Sweet’s Funeral Home, Rte. 9, Hyde Park. Services will follow at 12 Noon at the Funeral Home. Burial will be in the family plot at Friends’ Cemetery in Clinton Corners. Memorial donations may be made in lieu of flowers to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Heifer International. To send an online condolence or for directions, please visit Sandy’s obituary page at www.sweetsfuneralhome.com. https://www.lastingmemories.com/sandra-rand