Sandra Teague Cox

As a young military spouse, Sandy joined her first husband as he served in both Germany and Florida. Wanting to contribute to the household while supporting his service, she found employment as a telephone operator.

It was after experiencing serious hospitalization that Sandy became inspired to put her full efforts into pursuing a career in Respiratory Therapy. She attended Mount San Antonio College in Walnut, California, and was in the graduating class of 1976.

For five years, Sandy found professional employment as a Respiratory Therapist, primarily employed at Cottage Hospital in Goleta, California. Following one last big relocation up the West Coast to Oregon, she continued her career growth for 26 years within Providence Health System Medical Centers, in Portland.

It was a desire to try something new, and the strong encouragement of a friend, that led Sandy to shift her full career focus into that of Social Work. In the early 1990’s, she started this new journey, attending Portland State University while continuing employment as a therapist.

Sandy excelled in her studies, and, in 1993, she graduated Magna Cum Laude [“With High Praise”] for earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. In the month prior to graduation, Sandy proved her merit even further, accepting induction into the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.

Continuing her postgraduate studies at PSU and the recognition for her exceptional studies, Sandy received her Master of Science Degree in Social Work, in June of 1996. In the following November, she obtained her License in Clinical Social Work (LCSW).

While continuing employment with the Providence Health System as a social worker, Sandy achieved great personal fulfillment while working in Hospice & Palliative Care and, later, Bereavement. There was great reward for her to be assisting families as they coped with the loss of loved ones.

Sandy formally retired on July 3rd, 2008, her so-called “Independence From Employment.” She spent her years post-retirement traveling as often as possible. She was fortunate to have visited Japan and multiple European countries.

In 2019, Sandy moved to a 55+ community and was excited for the opportunity to make many new friends. However, shortly following the move, Sandy was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, an incurable type of blood cancer.

Sandy was always a “fighter,” taking on whatever challenges the disease presented. She was never heard to say, “Why me?” When it seemed that the myeloma was becoming difficult to suppress, Sandy adopted the mantra “Every day, I will find something about which to be grateful.” And she did just that.

Sadly, the disease overwhelmed Sandy’s body, and she died on February 13, 2025.

In her final years, Sandy could always be seen wearing a bracelet inscribed with the words “Choose Joy.” If able to leave a parting thought to her loved ones right now, she would likely share that same message.