Saundra Duncan died July 7, 2016 following a 13 year battle with stage 4 lung
cancer. She fought hard and rebounded from several rounds of chemo to enjoy
trips throughout the world with Craig, her husband of 45 years, and attended countless
special events of the people she loved.
Saundra, age 70, was a woman loved by all who knew her. Born in Texas, she was raised in Rochester, NY. A
family of three girls: Saundra, Jacalyn and Diane
(deceased). She met her husband Craig in Rochester and
they were married in 1970. Sandy settled in Ventura in
1974.
Her career as a child protective social worker was
important and meaningful to her and spanned more than
2 decades. During her years as a Social worker,
Supervisor and Program Manager she obtained a
Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from
Cal Lutheran and an MSW degree from USC. Sandy was
a courageous, ethical, and loyal person.
In her career she spearheaded innovation, including the
training unit, which has now grown to multiple units.
Sandy wore many hats, often at the same time. She
worked the child protective system from emergency
response to adoptions. Children loved her and would talk
to her about the most painful things in their lives.
She excelled at guiding other social workers. She was a
mentor to many, giving encouragement, support, and
guidance in the most difficult cases. Saundra was so
kind and giving she will be especially missed by her
many friends.
Saundra had no children but was deeply attached to a
variety of cats and dogs. Her favorite pets include her
beloved dog Lily, age16, and her beloved cat Petunia,
age22.
Sandy loved to read and derived much pleasure from her
book club that she hosted in her home until recently. She
held a group of retired friends together with her monthly
luncheons that she called the “Lunch Bunch.” There's
nothing Sandy enjoyed more than vigorous discussion of
politics and women's issues.
Special thanks to nephews Austin, Chase and Jeff for
the loving care they gave her during her last few weeks.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Temple Beth Torah at
a date and time to be announced later.
Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 757 E. Main Street Ventura.