Sandra June Isenstein died on Sept. 1 surrounded by her family. She was 88.

Sandy was born on June 10, 1928 in Chicago, Ill. She graduated from Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif., where she was a journalism major.

She leaves behind a philanthropic legacy. Sandy became active in Women’s American ORT, an organization promoting technical skills and literacy, international human rights and women’s issues. She served as president of the Midwest District and became the national president from 1991 to 1995. She led overseas delegations to ORT schools and programs in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, France, Iran, Israel, Italy, Morocco, Peru, Russia and Uruguay. In June 2000, she was part of a delegation to St. Petersburg to rededicate the ORT school there. She was a delegate to several World ORT Congresses, an officer of the World ORT Union and a member of the American ORT Board of Directors.

She built and maintained a community of friends and colleagues who shared her passion and advocacy for education and training, the arts and women’s rights. She will be remembered for more than four decades of commitment to this organization.

Sandy’s honesty served her well; she neither made excuses nor lengthy conversation. Words were important to her. She loved the challenge of The New York Times crossword puzzle and fostered a love of reading for her family. Her passion for travel took her around the world to experience new cultures. She thought of art as an adventure and was drawn to eclectic folk art and enjoyed seeking out artists and meeting them. Memories of visits to her homes for ritual Fourth of July parties and Vineyard beach vacations will be cherished by those fortunate to have been there.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Gladys Meitus; her sisters Lila Lang and Iris Allen; and her granddaughter Anna Michelle Isenstein. 

Sandy is survived by her husband of 66 years, Marvin Isenstein; her daughter Betsy Isenstein and her favorite son in law Danny Wong; her sons Mark Isenstein and his wife Nancy Gelman), Burton Isenstein and his wife Nancy Gardner, and Joel Isenstein and his wife Linda Nathenson; her grandchildren Molly, Jesse and Zoe Wong, Libby and Josh Isenstein, Sam and Jonah Isenstein and Ben, Evan and Noah Isenstein; her brother in law and sister in law Sherwin and Audrey Zimmerman; and nieces and nephews.

A graveside service was held on Tuesday, Sept. 6, at Waldheim Cemetery in Forest Park, Ill.

Donations in her memory may be made to ORT America, 3701 Commercial Ave, Ste. 13, Northbrook, IL 60062; The Anna Isenstein Teacher’s Aide Fund, West End Synagogue, 3810 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 3720; or a charity of your choice.