Susan Patricia Sands
1956 - 2022
DEL MAR — Susan Patricia Sands transitioned peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, following a brief illness. Susan was born to Ernie and Ellie Graham on October 20, 1956, in Denver, Colorado. She was welcomed by her older brother, Scott. As a child she loved dancing ballet and as a teenager shared a passion for music along with her brother. Her favorite artist was Dan Fogelberg.
Early on in Susan’s life she had an interest in sign language and supporting the deaf and hard of hearing communities. She earned a B.A. in Education at ASU in 1978, a Masters in Education at UArizona in 1980 and M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling from SDSU in 1990. In her career she taught deaf children and later administered post-graduate training for SDSU’s Deafness Rehabilitation Program. She worked at Deaf Community Services of San Diego before retiring.
Susan had a passion for dogs and especially Yorkies. She supported Canine Companions for Independence, worked as a volunteer in pet therapy, and in support of the Rancho Coastal Humane Society. She loved her fur children over the years, Quake and Spirit, Nigel (the first), Milo and Monty, and Nigel (the second). Susan, “Susie” as many knew her by, loved the water - visiting Torrey Pines State Beach, Powerhouse Park in Del Mar or swimming at her community’s pool.
Susan married Marc Sands on July 25, 1992 and they had many wonderful years together. The couple divorced in 2007 but they remained good friends. Susan loved people and brought joy and happiness to the people she met doing the things she loved like hosting dog parties, participating in yoga with Leash Your Fitness, and attending yoga retreats. For those who knew her, she will be remembered as a kind, gentle, caring soul, a great listener, and someone always ready to help or make others laugh.
Susan is survived by her many loved ones including her brother Scott Graham, her ex-spouse Marc Sands and her dear friend Donna Di Maccio-Fourlegnie. Susan’s wishes are to be cremated and her ashes scattered at sea; she had a great love for all things having to do with the ocean. For those who wish to express their condolences, in lieu of flowers or attendance at a memorial service, please consider a donation in Susan’s memory to the Rancho Coastal Humane Society.