Sandra Rowland

Sandra Rowland, age 87, passed away on October 31, 2023. Sandra was born and raised in Lewes, Delaware.  She grew up on 2^nd Street and Lewes Beach alongside her brother, H. Hickman Rowland, cousins Jay Hukill and Margaret Webb and dear friends Clara Wilson Davis, Adelaide Atkins Green and Diane Janny Melott.

Sandra attended Lewes High School and went on to graduate from the University of Delaware with a degree in secondary education. She briefly taught at a local elementary school before switching careers and moving to Boston to work at a publishing company. Using her background in education, Sandra served as an editor for social studies textbooks and traveled across the country promoting their incorporation into school curricula. Work took her west to California for a couple years, during which time she drove a convertible, discovered her love of foods such as guacamole and sushi, and developed a green thumb. Missing being closer to family, Sandra ultimately returned home to Delaware. She lived near her brother in Old New Castle for several years prior to moving to Millsboro to care for her mother, Thelma J. Rowland who lived to the age of 101.

Sandra lived independently, valued her autonomy and had several interests. She was a realtor with a keen eye for interior design and a lover of cats and politics. She preferred living by the water and was the happiest when surrounded by family and friends. Sandra was a strong boat handler and entertained often. Some of her favorite memories involved spending time on Herring Creek picking crabs, clamming, and cruising on the pontoon boat. She also enjoyed cooking and playing games such as Rummikub. She loved to hear and tell stories, had a dry sense of humor and a great laugh.

Sandra was preceded in death by her parents Harry and Thelma Rowland, brother Hickman Rowland and niece Sara Rowland.  She is survived by her nephew Chris Rowland, niece Lindsey Rowland Heller, their spouses and their 5 children.  She is also survived by her beloved Jack Russell/Chihuahua, Zoey.

A small family memorial service will be held on December 16.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Thelma Rowland Scholarship Fund at St. Andrew’s School, 350 Noxontown Road, Middletown, DE 19709 or visit www.standrews-de.org/giving/give