Sandra L. Suits

Sandra Lee Suits

Schenectady

Sandra (Sandy) Suits died at peace at home on the 16th of September, 2024, ready to meet the Lord. She was the younger daughter of the late Adelbert and Gertrude (Wessell) Suits of Dunnsville, NY. Born in Ellis Hospital in Schenectady on November 13, 1945, Sandra lived her first 33 years in Dunnsville, followed by 33 years in her home in Rotterdam, NY. The last twelve years she resided at Coburg Village in Rexford, NY where she was exceptionally active, vibrant and a true advocate for all the residents. If someone needed help or had a concern, they called Sandy as she was quickly recognized for her leadership skills, compassion and various technical abilities. Sandy was always standing up for what was right and was an excellent negotiator.

Sandra, named most athletic in her class, graduated from Guilderland High School with honors. She pursued her chosen profession as a physical educator at the State University of NY at Cortland, earning her B.S. in Health and Physical Education in 1967 and a M.S. in 1971. She undertook additional study at Ithaca College and SUNY Albany toward her certification in administration and supervision.

Sandra spent her entire teaching career with the Schalmont Central School District from 1967 to 2000. While teaching elementary, middle and high school physical education she became the brief District Director of Physical Education in 1983. As a member of the Schalmont Community Council, she initiated the development of the Schalmont Community Center in 1981, and served as Coordinator until 1983.

An active coach in many sports during the 1970’s (soccer, basketball, softball, track, volleyball, bowling), Sandra served as the first Girls’ Soccer Coordinator for Section II of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association from 1972-1977.  As NYSPHSAA State Coordinator for Girls’ Soccer from 1975-1978, she represented New York as an advisor to the National Federation Soccer Rules Committee in 1977. In 1980, Sandra received the Special Honor Award from the N.Y.S. Coaches Association.

Sandra’s service to the Association of Women in Physical Education in New York State includes the Dorothea Deitz Memorial Scholarship (DDMS) Selection Committee from 1978 to 1982, chairing that committee in 1981, Treasurer from 1980 to 1982, and President in 1983/84 and serving as a member of the DDMS Board of Trustees.

Sandra became a member of NYSAHPERD in 1967 and gave unstintingly of her time to the Association on the local and state levels.  She served the Capital/Northway Zone as Vice President of Physical Education 1973-1975, President-Elect, President and Past President from 1975 to 1980 and received the Distinguished Service Award from the Zone in 1980.  Sandra was the Board Representative and Building Coordinator for Jump Rope for Heart and served in the County Coordinator position in 1981 and 1982. Sandra was a member of the J.B. Nash Scholarship Fund Raising Committee and chaired the Committee in 1979-80. Additionally, she served as the NYSAHPERD Delegate to NYSCEA from 1981 through 1983 and concluded three years on the Election Committee in 1984. She served two terms on the NYSAHPERD Board of Directors in the early 1980’s.

A “professional among professionals”, Sandra was the 1984 recipient of the NYSAHPERD STATE SERVICE AWARD, the Association’s highest award of recognition.

On a more personal level, Sandy was a wonderful friend and neighbor, always willing to lend a hand and to help raise someone’s spirits. She was a gifted story teller and could entertain for hours.  While in her early 30’s, Sandy survived a horrendous automobile crash caused by a drunk driver.  She subsequently lived with a severely compromised left shoulder and arm which caused her considerable pain yet somehow did not much diminish her powerful golf drive.  Sandy marched on in spite of this and enjoyed many years of canoeing, kayaking and visiting lighthouses throughout the United States and Canada. Over the years the after effects of the car accident and the wear and tear of her profession and active life caused mounting pain that a full shoulder replacement at the Rothman Institute in Philadelphia could only partially resolve. Afflicted with other painful conditions, Sandy chose to not battle her ovarian cancer diagnosis and instead focused on giving away her impeccably kept possessions and getting her affairs in order (they were always in order) down to the finest details.  Sandy attributed the graceful acceptance of her diagnosis to a lifetime of sports competition.  “Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.  This time I was a dealt a losing hand.”

Sandra is survived by a sister, Marlene Laraway (Donald) of Middleburgh, NY; two nephews William (Melanie) Laraway Sr. and Wesley (Darcy) Laraway, both of Middleburgh; five grand nephews and nieces; two great-grand nieces; one great-grand nephew; several cousins; and by her life long mentor and best friend, Lyla A. Meader of Schenectady, NY.

There will be no viewing.  Burial will be private at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Guilderland, NY.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at the First Reformed Church of Scotia open to all family and friends on Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 11:00AM.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Reformed Church of Scotia, City Mission of Schenectady or charity of choice.  Funeral arrangements handled by the Bond Funeral Home.