Sandra Leigh Simpson

Sandra Leigh Simpson of Red Hook, N.Y. passed away at age seventy nine on May 17, 2023. With her daughter and friends by her side, Sandra passed with love and peace all around her.

Born on December 2, 1943 in Middletown, Ohio, Sandra was the daughter of Dorothy Marie (Huddleston) and Major Frank Stuart.

As a child of a military family, she experienced relocations all across the country, living in states which included Ohio, Indiana,Texas, Washington and her beloved Virginia. Closest to her heart were Savannah, Yellow Stone National Park and the time spent living in the Mts. of Covington, Virginia.  It was clear that Georgia and Virginia were where she lived her best life. It was Savannah Georgia where Sandra met her former husband, Robert L. Simpson who was stationed there with the Air Force. They married and moved to N.Y. and started their family.

Sandra worked into her seventies at The Astor Home For Children in Rhinebeck, N.Y.  Previous workplaces included Kamen, Mula & Flynn CPA's, Northern Dutchess Hospital Lab, IBM Kingston and Bard College.

In Sandra's formative years she found comfort at church which she attended several times a week, sometimes twice a day. She always sang in the choir including at The Christ Church in Red Hook where she sang many solos. She also enjoyed participating at Taste Budds Open Mic night with her good friend Marie.

Sandra loved all living creatures especially her many schnauzers and Cockerspanials. Her dogs meant the world to her.

Sandy was a people person. She was out going, funny and kind. Her compassion extended to all who knew her and many who did not. Always ready with a smile, a hug, and words of support, Sandy always knew the right thing to say when a person needed it the most. She didn't drink but there was no better wing-woman than mom. Stopping into the Starr Bar, the local bowling alley or heading up to the Hunter Mountain Country Fest, she would light up the room. She was always ready with a smile on her face and laughter in her heart, ready to sing and dance.

Sandra is survived by her devoted daughter, Dawn Simpson, her sons Duane Simpson, Daniel Simpson and her beloved grandchildren Brittany Benson, Wesley Benson, Taylor Benson and Leia Simpson.

Sandra is also survived by her siblings Dewice E. Stuart and Elizabeth Cogan.

Sandra was preceded by her siblings Leo, Stuart and Mary Jo Stuart.

There will be no calling hours.

The family will be holding private services.

Arrangements are under the direction of Dapson Chestney Funeral Homes in Rhinebeck,  N.Y.

Donations may be made to Nord (National Organization for Rare Diseases) or a local animal shelter.

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