Sandra Lee Long

Sandra Lee Long of Abingdon passed away December 5, 2020 after a long and brave battle with metastasized cancer. She was 75 years old.

Sandy was a leader in her neighborhood, a want-to-be travel guide, and a provider of sunshine via her smile and antics to those around her. She encouraged all to enjoy each day and to find humor in daily experiences. Her collection of headwear from her extensive travels added interesting visual emphasis to any occasion or story she would share. She also had a penchant for acquiring flamingos - all shapes and sizes. Most gifts she presented were adorned with her personal poem, often starting with “Roses are Red”.

Sandy was born June 3, 1945 in Radford, Virginia. After high school graduation, she attended Longwood College in VA where she majored in Physical Education. Her love of teaching provided the platform for the beginning of her career in Harford County. Her first job encompassed a dual role of teaching and coaching at two different high schools in Aberdeen and Havre de Grace, MD. Showing her versatility, she continued to teach, and later chair the departments at Bel Air Middle School, and Southampton Middle School. Teaching younger students to enjoy and appreciate aquatic, sport, and fitness activities was her forte. She furthered her education at Johns Hopkins University obtaining both a Master of Education and a Master of Science degree. With her expanded knowledge base, she became Harford County Supervisor of Elementary & Middle School Physical Education. In this role she provided experienced guidance to many teachers throughout the county. She had an analytical talent for presenting her teaching critiques and possessed a light personable persona as a mentor and friend. Providing innovative professional growth opportunities to all staff members was a major goal achieved during her thirty-year career.

Sandy was an active member in professional organizations including NAGWS, AAHPERD and MAHPERD, where she served as President. She was also a member of the Tau Chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society Intl.

Sandy was previously a long-time member of Christ Our King Presbyterian Church in Bel Air. More recently, she joined the Bel Air United Methodist Church where she volunteered in blood drives and a senior food distribution program. She attended numerous study groups and a weekly Bible study class.

Sandy was preceded in death by her father, John I. Long, her mother, Pauline E Gwynn, her stepfather, Edgar U. Hoover, and several aunts and uncles. She is survived by her devoted friend, Betty A Reid of Abingdon, MD, step-brother Ronald Wayne Hoover of Orlando, FL, and numerous cousins. Sandy was cherished by Long and Reid family members, many friends, neighbors, teachers, and students. Her life may be summed up in three words “We had fun”.

Memorial gifts honoring Sandy may be made to Bel Air United Methodist Church or a charity serving children or animals.