Barbara Jean Sandford Glancy

Glancy, Barbara Jean Sandford 79 Jan. 01, 1932 May 23, 2011 With family and friends by her side and her favorite hymn "Spirit of Life" playing, Barbara died peacefully at her daughter's home in Portland. Born in New York City to Jack Anderson (Henry Paul Adelman) and Deborah Elisabeth Sandford, Barbara spent her childhood in upstate New York swimming on Congers Lake. She graduated from Hunter College in 1954, then received a master's degree from Ohio State University in 1964. While working full-time and raising three children from her marriage to David Glancy (1956-1976), she earned her Ph.D. in human development from University of Maryland in 1974. Barbara heard Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech in the March on Washington in 1963, sparking a lifelong commitment to human rights, peace, and social justice. She worked in Washington, D.C., for the U.S. Department of Health Education and Welfare, and then in the Office for Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Education. After her retirement and move to Portland, Barbara became a full-time activist. If you registered to vote in Multnomah County recently, there's a good chance Barbara is the one who registered you. If there was a Bring the Troops Home demonstration, she was one of those picketing for the safe return of troops to their families. If you were homeless or down on your luck, Barbara would stop and give you encouragement and a granola bar or hire you for an odd job. She was a competitive master swimmer for over 30 years, and an avid supporter of the arts and theater. Her five grandchildren learned to swim and began thespian pursuits under the nurturing tutelage of their Grandmom. She also loved the opera and singing in a folk song group. Barbara is survived by her children, Lise Glancy of Portland, David Glancy of San Francisco and Ann Gilchrist of Glen Burnie, Md., and their spouses; beloved grandchildren, Marguerite Gilchrist, Nick Fernandes, Chris Fernandes, Matt Fernandes and Ashley Glancy; brother, Jack Anderson of Woodbine, Md.; and numerous Sandford relatives spread across the country. Barbara charted her own course and followed her passions. She was a strong, able and fiercely independent woman who affiliated herself with many groups and organizations, and held her family and growing circle of friends close. She never met a stranger. She will be missed by all. A celebration of Barbara's life will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 11, 2011, at her church, First Unitarian Church, 1102 S.W. 12th Ave., Portland, with a reception to follow. Her family plans to spread her ashes on Congers Lake in 2012. Arrangements by Zeller Chapel of the Roses; 503-287-1155.