Sandra Cummings Batson

1944 - 2016

Sandra Cummings Batson March 1, 1944 - August 28, 2016 San Marcos Sandra Lee Cummings Batson left us on the morning of August 28, 2016 and likely met God laughing with the smile and witty comments she so often shared with us in life. Sandy was an Island girl from Samoa who grew up in a military family through her high school years. She experienced the many relocations and travel that military life brings. Sandy excelled in school and enjoyed horseback riding and athletics in her teenage years. Sandy was a leggy and tall young woman and she spoke candidly of the frustrations that a tall teenage girl in the 50's often experienced. Sandy's education continued at Colorado College where she was an active member of Delta Gamma Sorority and an honor student. Colorado College is where Sandy met her future husband, Robert Batson, and the two were married in January of her senior year. Sandy graduated "CC" with distinction in the Class of 1965, Magnum Cum Laude with a degree in Zoology. After college Sandy and Bob traveled out west, settling in greater Los Angeles. Sandy continued working in the field of science as a lab technician at UCLA Research Center and Allergan Pharmaceutical Company. Sandy's career was eventually interrupted by both a small lab accident that bordered on hilarity, according to Sandy, and the birth of her first son, Tyler. When her firstborn was a toddler Sandy and Bob relocated to the Solana Beach/Del Mar area. This was the place Sandy considered "home." The next chapter of Sandy's life included the birth of her second child, Brian, and participating in many volunteer activities. Sandy started the inaugural coastal chapter of the Children's Home Society. She was an active supporter of the Solana Beach Soccer Club. Tennis became Sandy's athletic outlet of which she achieved some competitive success in singles and doubles, often leaving her partners and opponents in comical hysterics. Sandy nurtured her spirit at Solana Beach Presbyterian Church and was a leader in the women's Bible study group for many years. Sandy was an avid reader who regularly returned from the library with stacks of books, sometimes weekly. Sandy's talent for quick reading and previous academic prowess helped her professionally tutor middle and high school students for many years. Volunteerism continued at Torrey Pines High School. Sandy never denied the motive that it was a great way to keep tabs on high school happenings! Sandy was a proud football fan of her sons as they competed at TPHS and Stanford University. There was never any shortage of Sandy's bright smile, good sense of humor, and genuine ability to love. Sandy relished in the friendships throughout the neighborhood, kids' sports, and church families. One of Sandy's greatest joys was creating an environment where everyone felt welcome. Visitors, adults and kids alike, were enthusiastically greeted and made to feel at home. Sandy's laugh could often be heard in a crowd which couldn't help but bring a smile to your face. She will surely be missed. Sandy loved her family dearly and is survived by Bob her husband of 51 years, son Tyler and wife Hilary of San Diego, son Brian and wife Cambrey of San Clemente, grandchildren Phoebe, Lana, Luke, Cole, Trey and Kelly, and her siblings, Ralph Wood, brother and Leslie Wood, sister. A memorial service will be held Monday, September 26, 2016 at the Solana Beach Presbyterian Church at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers Sandy can be remembered by donating to the Navy SEAL Foundation: https://www.navysealfoundation.org/