Sandra Miller

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Sandra Miller.  “The Sturdy Oak,” Sandy was a funny, compassionate, loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and cousin; she was also a good and caring person.

Sandy was the daughter of Frieda and Lew Grayson. Sandra was born on the Lower East Side of NYC. Her family moved to Schenectady when she was nine years old. Sandra spent the rest of her life a resident of Schenectady/Niskayuna.

She married her life partner and sweetheart Fred Miller on November 14, 1964. Sandy had two children, Beth (Carl) and Jeffrey. Sandy was blessed with a “favorite grandson,” Jared, whom she adored and doted upon.

Sandy always said she had the best family, including a large loving extended family of cousins, nieces, and nephews. She worked for the Schenectady Welfare Department, and was a member of Congregation Beth Israel of Schenectady since 1964. Sandy was active at the Beth Israel Sisterhood, and was a member of the Women’s American ORT. Sandy became a devoted player of Mahjong. She enjoyed activities with her wide circle of friends.

Her sense of humor shined and sparkled when she was planning practical jokes, and Sandy was an authentically funny individual who could lighten up any occasion with wise-cracking jokes and her sweet, positive disposition. She was very humble. Sandy enjoyed spending downtime with family and friends at the pool, on the boat at Lake George, and simply sitting around just hanging out telling funny stories.

Among her many talents were photography, scrapbooking, crossword puzzles, water aerobics, cooking her famous original dessert recipes, and shopping to get the best prices. In the last few years she took up painting. Her nicknames were “Sturdy Oak” and “#1,” because she was the oldest of her generation of ten in the Yochnowitz Family.  Predeceased by her beloved parents, sister Myrna, and brother-in-law Gerald, Sandra is survived by her husband, children, and grandson.

Graveside funeral services will be held at the Congregation Beth Israel Upper Cemetery, Abbottsford Road, Rotterdam, NY 12304 on Sunday August 16, 2026 at 10 a.m.  Shiva to be held after the funeral on Sunday afternoon and again on Monday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Additional Shiva will be held on Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Please contact the family for the locations of the Shiva services.  In lieu of flowers, donations to Congregation Beth Israel or to an animal shelter or rescue program of your choosing are requested in Sandra’s memory, may it be for a blessing.

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