Sandra M. Reese

Sandra M. Reese, 73, of Lancaster, PA died Sunday, January 18, 2015 peacefully surrounded by her family at her home. Sandy was born in Ephrata, PA, the daughter of the late Howard W. and Anna Mae Weinhold Minnich. She is survived by her husband James D. Reese, to whom she was married for 51 years. She received a bachelor’s degree from Lebanon Valley College and graduated as class president of the nursing school at The Lancaster General Hospital. Sandy worked as a nurse for the Manheim Twp. School District, The Lancaster General Hospital, Center County Hospital and Penn State Rittenour Campus Health Center. In mid 1970’s she joined the Lancaster County-based architectural firm of Reese, Lower, Patrick and Scott as its Administrative Manager and later became that firm’s first female partner. Sandy was an active community volunteer and leader, serving as past President of the Board of Samaritan Center and served on the National Samaritan Institute Board in Colorado. She was the first person to serve in this capacity living east of the Mississippi. She was a Board member of the Lancaster Day Care Center. She was a member of Highland Presbyterian Church, where she served as an elder and a Vice Moderator of the Donegal Presbyterian Church. A devoted mother to her family, she enjoyed sharing some of her passions and advice with each family member. Her number one interest was riding her horse, Sara, with her husband Jim and his horse, Shoney, in the Grand Tetons. In addition, she enjoyed knitting, writing, photography and a passion for folk art and American antiques. Surviving are Sandy’s son John D. Reese of State College, PA and two daughters, Kathryn Reese, wife of Kurt Williams of Etters, PA and Amy Reese, wife of Daniel Ramirez of Denver, Colorado. She was a proud grandmother of her eleven grandchildren: twins, Alex and Megan Reese and Mia Reese, Mitchell and John Greiner, Reese and Christine Williams, twins Adam and Abigail Ramirez, and twins Eric and Emily Ramirez. Also surviving is her sister, Suzanne Minnich of Dushore, PA. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at Highland Presbyterian Church, 500 East Roseville Road, Lancaster at 11:00 am with the Reverend Dr. James Hanna officiating. A time of fellowship will be held on Friday, February 6th from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at The Groffs Family Funeral Home, 528 West Orange Street, (located at the corner of Orange and Pine Sts). Kindly omit flowers; contributions in Sandy’s memory may be made to The Samaritan Center, 1803 Oregon Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601.

Sandra M. Reese

January 21, 2015