Geneseo: June 29, 2021, at age 78 years, of natural causes. Survived by her daughter, Dr. Christine E. Brennan (Craig S. Feder) of Glen Ridge, NJ. Grandchildren: Liam Feder and Aurora Feder; sister-in-law Gladys (Walter) Riechmann of MN; nieces by marriage, Barb (Tom) Pedersen and Deb Riechmann. Also survived by so many dear friends and former colleagues.
Sandra (Sandy) passed away peacefully from natural causes. She was born in Odessa, Texas in 1942 and grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She received a BA in Geology from Washington University in St. Louis, MO, in 1964. That same year she married William J. Brennan (d. 2016) and they remained together for more than 50 years. Early in her career she worked at the U.S. Geological Survey in Colorado and she taught high school math in Mt. Morris, NY shortly after moving to Livingston County in 1968. Sandy received a Master’s in Geology from the University of Buffalo in 1977. Beginning in 1978, she embarked on an impressive career at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation in East Avon, NY. As Senior Engineering Geologist, she was the first woman to work at that location in a non-clerical position. From 1987 to 1996 she worked at the New York State DEC in Albany as Bureau Director of the Division of Mineral Resources. While in Albany she received a second Masters in Public Affairs from Rockefeller College at the University of Albany. In 1996 Sandy returned to the DEC in East Avon as Natural Resources Supervisor, where she was in charge of Minerals, Fish, Wildlife, Land and Forests, Wetlands, and the Genesee Valley Greenway. She retired in 2003 after 25 years of service.
Following her retirement, Sandy continued to pursue many wide-ranging interests, but especially in local government where she served Livingston County and the village of Geneseo in numerous capacities. She served as County President of the League of Women Voters, as a volunteer on the Geneseo Central School Board’s Citizen Advisory Committee on Energy and Conservation, as Vice Chairman of the Genesee Valley Environmental Association, as a member of the Village Board for 12 years and as Deputy Mayor for 6 years. Her tireless efforts in support of the community is perhaps her most enduring legacy. In 2019 the Geneseo Young at Heart Club and the Town of Geneseo recognized her as a Geneseo Seniorama Honoree.
In retirement Sandy also worked as a certified and award-winning mediator for the Center for Dispute Settlement for 16 years. She served as a member of the Board of the Livingston County Historical Society Board for 5 years, 3 of those years as President. Sandy was also actively involved in numerous clubs, such as the Monday Evening Class where she served as Vice President and President and as a member of the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. A consummate world traveler, Sandy was always ready to leave on a moment’s notice whether it be Paris or Kathmandu. As a lover of nature and the environment, she was committed to preserving flora and fauna of all kinds for future generations.
A Celebration of Life gathering will take place from 1-3PM on Sunday, October 3, 2021 at the Wadsworth Homestead, 4 South Street in Geneseo, NY 14454. Inquiries may be directed to Will Wadsworth (585) 764-9005. To send a memory or a condolence, please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
My sincerest condolences to Christine and all who knew Sandy. In 1993, as a new geology graduate at Geneseo, with no plan for graduate school, she showed me an unforgettable kindness setting me on a path to the DEC naturalist internship program and my childhood dream of working in the parks. I enjoyed every moment. Thank you Sandy.
I worked on and off with Sandy over the years as a Physical Therapist. Despite numerous complicated health issues, she always remained extremely upbeat, hopeful, and forever striving further. Her level of independence and successful coping with her limitations ia a true inspiration!
A favorite memory of mine is when Sandy was interested in taking a cruise of the Nile in Egypt. Trouble is, she needed a walker to locomote. This limitation, along with a multitude of others did not dampen her hopes and dreams to cruise the Nile. We obtained a deluxe folding wheeled walker for her, in hopes it would help her make the trip. While she never did get around to this trip, her steadfast perseverance and positive outlook was nothing short of incredible. Enjoy the Nile Sandy, and all the other places your spirit may roam!
In gratitude and reverence,
Paul Kreher
Sandy was my supervisor at DEC Avon for a short time. Like her predecessor, Ned Holmes, Sandy gave me much guidance and support. I am forever grateful for that support. As a Geneseo resident, I followed her post-retirement career in local government, but was unaware of the extent of her achievements. May she rest in peace.
My condolences to Christine and the family. I had the opportunity to work with Sandy over the years in Region 8, both in the field and serving as a fellow Administrator. I could always count on Sandy for her sound,well thought out advice.In our retirement years our paths once again crossed,as we were both Mediator/Arbitrators for the Rochester, NY based Center for Dispute Settlement. Sandy brought much talent to the field mediation,her contributions will surely be missed. Rest in peace my friend,I’ll miss your counsel and friendship.
Oh Sandy,how many phone calls, conversations, and emails we shared during your time with the Livingston County Historical Society. You have a legacy with this institution. Thank you for your service and for all you have left this world for the better.
Anna Kowalchuk
I had the pleasure of working with Sandy in the DEC Avon office for a number of years. She was always warm and gracious and even helped me greatly in preparing for an important Civil Service exam which advanced my own career. I will always be grateful for her generous support. She will be missed.
Sandy was a tireless, capable woman who continued to fulfill her duties and commitments all through her illness. It was my honor to have known her and to have been a friend.
I had the pleasure of knowing Sandy back in the eighties when we were both Mined Land Reclamation specialists. I was in Watertown while she was inAvon. It was a pleasure to work with her and to get to know her. I was not aware of her significant achievements after that, not surprised. She was a good person.