Sandra Jean Klein

Sandra Jean Klein, age 83, of Summerville, South Carolina passed away on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at MUSC after a long illness. Sandy was born on January 28, 1941, in North Hollywood, California, to Maurice H. Gettleman and Helen Brinton Gettleman. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Steven M. Gettleman.

Sandy retired in 1988 after a career in the food industry where she served as a senior executive in marketing for Overhill Farms. During her career, she was involved in a number of professional organizations. She served as President of the Society of Consumer Affairs Professionals, as well as helped establish the Roundtable for Women in Foodservice and served as the Board President. She also served on the Board and was President of the American Business Women’s Association, Torrance, California chapter.

After leaving the workforce, she stayed active serving on the boards of several non-profit organizations in Southern California: WISE Senior Services, Senior Day Care and Alzheimer’s Day Care Center; Pediatric Therapy Network, which provided support and therapy for challenged children, mostly autistic; and Rainbow Services, an organization providing support, therapy, and facilities for abused women and children.

Sandy was a member of Spiritual Center, Redondo Beach, California, and served on the Board and as President for three years before moving to South Carolina in 2006.

Sandy was the ultimate example of giving while living. “It’s much more fun to give while you’re still here!”, Sandy once joyfully declared at a board meeting for the Roper St. Francis Foundation, of which she was a proud member.

Her philanthropy touched many lives and organizations across the South Carolina Lowcountry and often anonymously – especially related to animals and people.

She had a reputation at Roper St. Francis Healthcare for being a catalyst around programs that support those in most need facing health issues. Sandy played a critical role in launching its new mobile health unit and has for many years supported the Greer Transitions Clinic, both with a focus on serving the underserved.

She was always urging others to get involved within the community through volunteering and giving. For many years she was a volunteer for the American Red Cross where her passion to help others along with her business savvy was a hallmark. She served as a past chair of the Tiffany Circle Chapter, Charleston, and as a member of the Tiffany National Council.

She was also deeply supportive of many area animal shelters. Sandy had three dogs of her own who were her constant companions.

Sandy was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She leaves behind her husband of 35 years, Maynard J. Klein; two daughters, Tracy Strickland (Paul) of Summerville SC, Kelly Newnham (Chris) of Beaufort SC; two stepchildren, Leslie Reeser (Paul) of Williamsburg, VA, and David Klein (Amy) of Palos Verdes, CA; three grandchildren, Taylor Strickland Miller (Zac) of Chicago IL, Perry Strickland of Chicago IL, Christopher Newnham of Anderson SC; four step-grandchildren Amanda Reeser-Steinetz (Ashley), J Reeser, Sarah Klein, Alec Klein, a nephew Brandon Gettleman of Columbia SC, and many great-nephews and great-nieces.

Sandy generously gave her time, talent, and treasure, which will have a lasting impact on the community. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Roper St. Francis Foundation, 100 Calhoun Street, Suite 210, Charleston, SC, 29401. Or online at: www.rsfhfoundation.org/donate.