My Wife
My dear wife, Sandra K. Pellens-Meinhard (1944-2025), lived a life rich with music, social gatherings, teaching, and a deep commitment to fairness. I was blessed to share so much of it with her. She was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, the daughter of Roger Owens Pellens and Betty Wistner Pellens. With her sister Judy, Sandy grew up in a home where culture, music, and community were woven into the fabric of everyday life, and I saw that upbringing reflected in her gentle spirit and strong convictions.
I first met Sandy while we were both pursuing graduate studies at the University of Iowa. Our first encounter was far from romantic—in a seminar for graduate assistants, I challenged her on some of her research, and she answered me with a conviction that immediately impressed me. From that spirited debate, our conversations blossomed, leading to tennis matches, ballroom dancing, and, quickly, a deeper commitment. I proposed to her on Valentine's Day, and we were married on August 15, 1981, at the Unitarian Church in Iowa City. We celebrated with a pig roast at Terrace Park, dancing with family and friends all weekend long.
Our only son, J Alex, was born in 1982, and becoming a mother was one of the greatest joys of Sandy's life. Later, when our granddaughters Lexi and Gwyn were born, they became the light of her life. Watching her with them, living so close in Portland, filled her final years with joy.
Our professional paths were intertwined from the start. Together, we built the Institute for Developmental Science and Sandy's teacher group, the Society for the Advancement of Genetic Epistemology (S.A.G.E.). We blended classroom practice with research, always striving to improve cognitive development for children. Our work took us and J Alex to Geneva, Switzerland, and Canada, as we connected with educators and researchers around the world.
Sandy was a positive and influential educator who helped bring developmental research into instruction. In Oregon, she worked as a consultant and administrator for the Oregon Department of Education and various school districts. She also taught IDS courses credentialed by Portland State, Lewis and Clark College, and the University of Portland. Her gift was her ability to insist that teachers see the world through a child's eyes. She had unique talents for encouraging others to grow and empowering them with confidence.
Outside of work, her life was enriched with her participation. Sandy sang with the May Festival Chorus on Cincinnati's Music Hall stage, and later with friends at church and community events. We enjoyed ballroom dancing, and she was a key organizer for the Sesame Club's monthly dances. At home in our house on Burnside, she was a gracious hostess. Holidays were her favorite—she delighted in setting a formal table with her fine china and crystal, making each guest feel honored and special. Her love of Christmas was immense, and she took great pleasure in decorating the house and the tree. The outdoor lights were so warm and inviting that we eventually decided to leave them up all year round.
I'll never forget the time Sandy decided to tackle a Beef Wellington. The mushroom duxelles was perfect, and the process of wrapping it in prosciutto and pastry was ambitious and nerve-wracking. The final result wasn't flawless, but the meal became a legend in our household. It was a perfect reminder of her adventurous spirit, her love of entertaining, and her ability to laugh at herself while making everyone around her feel so welcome.
Sandy was a champion of the underdog and a tireless advocate for fairness. Whether she was on a picket line, working on affirmative action programs, or in the classroom, she lived her values of equality, respect, and opportunity. She carried herself with such warmth and conviction, and I was always drawn to her engaging conversations that blended intellect with compassion.
I am survived by our son J Alex, his wife Robyn (McClain), and our beloved granddaughters Lexi and Gwyn. She is also survived by her sister Judith's children, Matt, Amy, and Becky. She will be remembered with affection by my siblings—Donna Meinhard, Dianne Farris, Doris Howard, Douglas Meinhard, and Dorothea Anderson—and by many friends and colleagues who were touched by her kindness and strength.
Dick
We have organized a memorial service to be be held October 4, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Lake Oswego United Methodist Church, led by Reverend Dr. Tom Nolen with Reverend Donna Meinhard and Reverend Arleon Kelly; we will have a reception afterwards.
For your RSVP to any event, send to dougmeinhard@gmail.com. Doug is also sharing the events and guest list at https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1oijYwvjKMJ9wL9DpVfvNPczmzqHstowHMnphuIe9BiE/edit?usp=sharing. You may always contact me directly at meinhardfamily@gmail.com or richardmeinhard@gmail.com.
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