Sandra Lee Russ

Sandra “Sandie” Russ, 77, of Hilton Head SC, passed away unexpectedly Friday morning at the Preston Health Center for rehabilitation after recovering from a cardiac event in January.

Sandra L Russ, oldest of three children, was born December 8, 1944 in Columbus, Ohio to George and Virginia Russ.  She Graduated from Canton High School in Canton, Massachusetts.  Following high school, Sandie received a degree from Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio with a B.S. in Commerce.  She was a member of Phi Chi Theta, a national professional fraternity for women in business administration and Gamma Phi Beta sorority.

Her first job after graduating took her to the “Big Apple” working on Wall Street.  Sandie was the first women to be hired in a management position other than as a “secretary” or “administrative assistant”.  An investment firm hired her to manage multimillion-dollar investment portfolios.  At that time in 1966-67 (before Women’s Lib) she was not allowed to sign her first name as the Portfolio Manager…only her first initial and last name!

Her next career move took her to San Francisco to management training with the U.S. Postal Service.  Again, she was among some of the first women to be assigned Postmaster to a major city postal facility.  Sandie hated being addressed as “Postmistress”…her job title was Postmaster!  The postal assignments took her to San Diego, CA, Polson, Mt, Denver, CO, Loveland, CO  and to headquarters in Washington D.C..  She retired from the Post Office in 2007.

Sandie loved traveling.  One of her favorite destinations was to Colorado every summer, where she'd visit with her brother and spend time in Vail for several weeks.  The extraordinary beauty of the Vail valley inspired her and stirred her soul.  One of her favorite spots was a bench overlooking the Gore Creek where she spent time reading.

She was a very outgoing, fun person.  All who knew her, knew she was going to make a difference in their day and lives…she was very compassionate and caring.

Survivors include sister, Linda Barnard, Hilton Head S.C. , brother, Richard Russ, Parker, CO, Niece, Laura Kato and nephew, Jeff Barnard.

In lieu of flowers  memorial contributions can be made to one of her favorite charities:

Citizens Opposed to Domestic Abuse

Art Center of Coastal Carolina

Hilton Head Humane Association

Coastal Discovery Museum

A Celebration of Life will be held at her home on May 1, 2022 2-4pm.