Dr. Sandra Marlene TODD

TODD, Dr. Sandra Marlene, 76, of Sebring, FL, passed away Thursday, February 26, 2015 at Good Shepherd Hospice House. She was born in Terre Haute, IN on May 4, 1938 to Marvin and Mildred Todd. She lived most of her life in Fort Wayne, IN, grad-uating from North Side High School as valedictor-ian in 1956. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Michigan State Univer-sity in math/education, graduating cum laude in 1960. She furthered her education with a Master of Science degree from Ball State University and Doctor of Education degree from Indiana University in 1980. Sandy proudly served the Fort Wayne Community Schools from 1960 until her retirement in 1995. She garnered many honors during her educational and professional careers, including the Sagamores of the Wabash, the highest civilian award in Indiana in 1989. She began her teaching career at Northwood Middle School in 1960. Pursuing an administrative career, she served as Dean of Girls and Assistant Principal at North Side High School from 1964 to 1974. In 1974, she began her tenure as Principal of Northrop High School, being named the first woman principal of a major Indiana high school. After returning to FWCS in 1980 from sabbatical leave, she moved to system-wide administration, serving as Director of Magnet Schools and Pupil Personnel. Her leadership in this position was an integral part of racially balancing the FWCS. She also served as the Director of Secondary Education from 1982-1991 and the Director of Curriculum and Instruction from 1991-1995. Those who knew and worked with her appre-ciated her innovative, creative and strong, yet compassionate leadership. During her career, she willingly participated on numerous community boards. She retired in 1995, ready to enjoy snowbirding in Sebring, Florida, her lake cottage, boating, golfing, gardening, reading, playing bridge and her dogs and cats. Florida became her permanent home in 2010. She enjoyed her love of being outdoors under the southern sun and continued to accept leadership roles, serving on the Golf Hammock Homeowners Association board for 4 years, three as President. Her smile and laugh will be sorely missed by many friends and colleagues, but mostly by those who survive her: her partner of thirty-five years, Cindy Bowser; their beloved dogs and cats; Sandy's cousins, the Brad (Betty) Lake family, the Staci (David) Smith family and the Jason Lake family, all of Illinois. At Sandy's request there are no formal services planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, preferred dona-tions are to the Humane Society of Highlands County, 7321 Haywood Taylor Blvd., Sebring, FL 33876 or Emmanuel United Church of Christ, 3115 Hope St., Sebring, FL 33875. Condolences may be expressed by visiting TBO.com. Arrangements are under the direction of: