Dr. Sandra Foote Reed

Dr. Sandra Foote Reed passed away peacefully at her home in Milford after a prolonged illness. She was 79.

Dr. Foote was born on March 31, 1945 in Oxnard, California to the late Harlan and Marjorie Foote. She moved multiple times during her childhood as the daughter of a Navy pilot. She excelled in academics, and received both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Following a brief career as an engineer, she attended medical school at the University of Virginia, where she also completed residency training in Internal Medicine and served as Chief Resident. Subsequently, she trained as a Fellow at the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland and served on the staff at Georgetown University Medical Center.

In 1981, Dr. Foote moved to Milford, Delaware with her husband, Dr. Theodore Reed and established the first Board-certified Medical Oncology practice in Southern Delaware. At Milford Memorial Hospital and subsequently at Bayhealth Medical Center, she served in many medical leadership roles, and was widely respected for her encyclopedic knowledge, diagnostic acumen, and compassion for her patients. Adored by families under her care, revered by the staff and fellow physicians, feared by some, she set a high standard for herself, and expected the same of others.

Dr. Foote changed the practice of medicine in an important way. In 1984, she fought enforcement of a so-called “Non-compete” clause in her contract with her prior employer, arguing that she was uniquely qualified to provide necessary care for her cancer patients. She won her case in court, and the case was widely cited in Delaware and and elsewhere in legislation preventing non-compete clauses. Physicians and patients alike owe Dr. Foote their gratitude, especially the many women physicians who considered her a role model.

Sandy was a life-long learner, devouring books in a day, and supporting the Milford Public Library following her retirement. She was a longtime member of Christ Episcopal Church in Milford, and studied yoga, T Touch, and many other topics. She was an accomplished quilter and knitter. She enjoyed travel, especially when accompanying her husband in his role as the Director of the National Zoo in Washington, DC. Her affection for dogs matched her devotion to medicine. Her tightly-knit group of women dog lovers, many of whom she first met at Camp Dances With Dogs in New Jersey, were among her closest friends and supporters.

Dr. Foote was preceded in death by her parents and her loving husband, Ted. She is survived by her stepson, Dr. Mark Reed and his wife, Carol; her dogs, Shanti and Lucas; and her many close friends and loving caregivers.

A Memorial Service celebrating Dr. Foote’s remarkable life will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, 200 North Church Street, on Tuesday March 18th at 11AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to St. Francis Service Dogs, P.O. Box 19538, Roanoke, Virginia 24019; or to the Friends of Milford Library, 11, SE Front Street, Milford, Delaware 19963.