Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, to Kirk and Kathleen Helm on May 19, 1944, Sandra (Sandy) moved at the age of 2 to Geneva, New York. Sandy lived in Geneva until she was 13, attending North Street Elementary School and enjoying many family vacations visiting her relatives throughout the Finger Lakes region. Her family (now with younger brother, Mark) relocated to Southern California in 1957 before settling in San Marino in 1958 where Sandy finished her 8th grade year at Huntington Middle School. After graduating from San Marino High School in 1962, Sandy attended UC Santa Barbara, finishing in 1966 with a B.A. in Home Economics with a focus on textiles and clothing. While at UCSB, she served as President of the Honey Bears service group and was a founding member of the Alpha Chi Omega (AXO) sorority Delta Psi chapter. Through these experiences, she developed a keen interest in volunteer service that would last throughout her life.
Sandy moved back to the Los Angeles area upon graduation, where she worked as a buyer for Joseph Magnin Co. and then as assistant general manager at Port O’ Call Pasadena. During these bachelorette years, Sandy became involved with the Junior League of Pasadena, the Spinsters, and as a docent at both the Pasadena Museum of History and the Norton Simon Museum.
Sandy met John Morris (of Pasadena) in 1970, knowing quickly it was meant to be — they married the following year. The young couple settled back in San Marino before welcoming their first son, Matthew (Matt) in 1973. Sandy decided to stop working, and five years later their family grew with the birth of their second son, Jeffrey (Jeff). While “the boys” were young, Sandy served on the board of the San Marino Community Church (SMCC) nursery school and volunteered as an art gallery docent at the Huntington Library. Her penchant for volunteering followed her sons’ interests as they grew — Sandy was a Cub Scout den leader at both Valentine and Carver Elementary Schools, and immersed herself in many PTA roles at all four schools in San Marino. She served notably as Band Booster President at both HMS and SMHS multiple times, and in key roles for SMHS Grad Night. In appreciation of her service, Sandy was honored as a recipient of a Carver Golden Nugget, PTA Council Honorary Service Award, and SMHS Terrific Titan award. After Matt and Jeff went to college, Sandy found new ways to support San Marino schools as a member of the Carver Site Design Committee and the Citizens Oversight Committee for the 1996-2007 Modernization Project.
Through this all, there was the Carver Library. Sandy found a true calling as the librarian at Carver for 30 years, guiding its growth from a cramped classroom into the flourishing campus focal point that it is today. Sandy would often talk of the special bonds formed in the “Carver Family,” and thoroughly enjoyed working with the staff and countless library volunteers over the years — many of whom became close friends for the remainder of her life. Sandy retired from Carver in 2016 to spend more time with her four grandchildren, and was especially proud to have one at every SM school in recent years. Nothing brought a smile to her face like reading to her grandchildren when they were young.
An avid reader herself, Sandy could often be found with a good book in her hand or recommending an interesting new book that she thought someone might enjoy. She was active with several book clubs, and was a tireless advocate for school libraries, public libraries, and children’s literature. Sandy was twice appointed to the board of trustees of the Crowell Public Library in San Marino, serving as chair during each term.
Sandy was a member of SMCC for nearly 65 years, during which she served as an Elder on the Board of Session, a Trustee on the Foundation of SMCC, and in countless roles with the children’s ministries. She fondly remembered being a part of SMCC’s “A Group” small group ministry, which was an important part of her and John’s life early in their marriage.
Throughout her adult life, Sandy remained involved in her sorority alumni activities which supported shelters for victims of domestic violence. She was an active member in the Alpha Chi Omega San Gabriel Valley Alumnae Group, serving as their chapter president from 2005-2007, and in recent years she had been active with the San Gabriel Valley Alumnae Panhellenic Association. She loved supporting strong young women as they continued the philanthropic values of panhellenic organizations.
Sandy will always be remembered by her family and friends as a keeper of traditions, especially surrounding holidays and birthdays. She had a special way of making each person feel uniquely loved through her time, supportive words, or a thoughtful gift. Sandy is survived by her husband, John, sons Matt (Sharon) and Jeff (Sarah), grandchildren J.T. (16), Dana (13), Gavin (10), and Benjamin (8), brother Mark and nephew Christopher.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in memory of Sandy to the San Marino Public Library Foundation, the Foundation of San Marino Community Church, or the San Marino Schools Foundation.
A celebration of Sandy’s life will be held at San Marino Community Church on November 18th at 10:00 a.m. Interment service will be private.
