Born Elsie Eloise Emmy on March 26, 1925, Sande Emmy’s life serves as an affirmation of resiliency. She completed her GED in 1962 and went on to attend classes at Portland State University (1962-1964) in pursuit of a degree in Business Administration with a minor in Psychology. Indeed, Sande’s love of learning led her to continual pursuits of stimulating projects throughout her life, including dabbling in writing children’s books and in artwork.
Sande’s work experience was diverse and reflective of her broad talents and interests. Her professional history includes positions in accounting, advertising, lumber marketing, restaurant and food management, and vocational rehabilitation. Sande also worked for Multnomah County Probation and Parole, as a Tri-Met Bus Driver, as well as a Foster Home Recruitment Specialist.
Life presented Sande with many challenges, leading her to experience poverty and homelessness. When Sande won the Oregon State Lottery in 1997, the generosity of her spirit was shown through her charity to others. Sande passed away on December 1, 2006, at the age of 81.
One of Sande’s greatest passions was to provide children with the opportunities not immediately available to them. The Sande Emmy Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation was created to help realize Sande’s dream of improving life for children in Oregon.