In Memory of Sandra J Alley

Sandra was a highly skilled medical professional and Vice President of her nursing school class, an entrepreneur owning a successful retail business, The Alley, in Arlington for nearly 20 years, real estate developer for unique projects in PA, NY, and FL, an art promoter having conceptualized and launched the first Arts in Arlington community happening in the 1990s, an activist being a fierce advocate for a woman's right to choose, LGBTQ rights including marriage equality, people living with HIV, victims of domestic violence, individuals living with mental illness or disability, those traumatized by racism, marginalized youth, dreamers, asylum seekers and refugees, and international scholars.

The safe space she created for others allowed her to forge deep and meaningful connections with a diverse array of individuals. An Icon of beauty, style, intelligence, courage, and talent informed by grit, strength, humor and a profound need to serve and care for others, she was unparalleled and unrivaled. Her sudden departure has brought us to our knees, but we are thankful to have known, lived, learned and laughed with one so generous with her spirit, her things, her time, and her love. She is survived by many for whom she was a surrogate parent, a meta-mom, a defender, a clown, a confidant, a wingman, a debate coach, a conscience, a style consultant, a medical navigator, a designer, a rescuer, a critic, an adventurer, a survivor, a globalist, a cross-cultural diplomat, and a friend.

Instead of flowers, please donate in her name to The Levy Economics Institute of Bard College. Your contributions will help establish a fund to support international student scholars from areas of democratic transition, regions of conflict, forced migration, human trafficking, genocide, or natural disasters.

You can link directly to The Levy donation portal by clicking HERE.

Or, if you prefer to send through the gofundme service I will then send your donation to the institute myself.

Carlton Rounds