Sandra Pauline Brown

Born Sandra Pauline Knutson on July 19, 1949, to Anell and Hank Knutson in Venice, Calif., she had lived in South Lake Tahoe since the early 1970s. Sandy worked for Caesars Tahoe casino for nearly 28 years as a cocktail waitress.

Sandy was a part-time student taking classes almost every year. Whether she was taking exercise, typing, horticulture, philosophy, or medical terminology classes, she always was inspired to use what she learned. She even worked as a landscaper when she first moved to the area.

Sandy loved animals and spent a lot of time with her canine companion, Basqueo. and horse named Diggy that she rode on trails, cattle drives and showed at the local horse shows. She was always supportive of local events and was even on the judge's panel of the Carson Valley Days parade.

She is survived by her father, Henry J. Knutson Jr. of Gardena, Calif.; brothers, Kenneth G. Knutson of Frazier Park, Calif., and Henry (John) Knutson III and his wife Cynde of Gardena; and nieces and nephews, Andrea Lynn, Dawn Marie, Olivia, Peter, James and their families. Her mother, Anell, preceded her in death. All were blessed to know her and She is greatly missed by her family and friends.

A gathering of family & friends will be held at Rice Mortuary on Sunday, January 28, 2007 from 1:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. Inurnment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to

A celebration of life ceremony will be held on her behalf at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, 2007 at the residence of Joyce and Steve Lang, 1016 Marsha Lane, Gardnerville, Nev. There will be a potluck luncheon served and all family and friends are invited to attend. Please come and share your times with and memories of this exceptional person.