Sandra D Euster

Sandra Duni Euster, 85, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 17, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on July 12, 1941, in Kansas City, Missouri, she was the daughter of the late Esther and Jay Duni.

Warm, outgoing, and deeply compassionate, Sandra had a gift for connecting with people and making everyone she met feel welcomed, valued, and cared for. She embraced life with an open heart and infectious enthusiasm, finding joy in her beloved family, exploring the world through travel, and losing herself in a good book. Her compassion extended well beyond her family and friends. A dedicated volunteer, she cared deeply about children in need, regularly packing and delivering school backpacks and tutoring young students and immigrants to help ensure they had the resources, encouragement, and confidence to succeed.

Sandra’s passion for children and literacy also shaped a remarkable career spanning more than four decades. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Missouri in 1963, followed by a Master of Education from Temple University in 1968. She began her career as a teacher in the School District of Philadelphia before becoming an early intervention consultant for the School District of Urbana in Illinois.

After relocating to Columbia with her husband and two young daughters, Sandra continued her education at the University of South Carolina, earning a Ph.D. in Reading Education in 1978. She subsequently joined the USC faculty as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Child and Family Studies. There, she taught undergraduate courses and directed research grants focused on training foster families and child development personnel in collaboration with the South Carolina Department of Social Services.

In 1984, Sandra joined Richland School District Two, where she devoted the next two decades to educational leadership. Her roles included Chairperson of Lonnie B. Nelson Elementary School’s Compensatory Reading and Mathematics Program, Director of the district’s twelve Child Development Centers, and Principal of Lonnie B. Nelson Elementary School. Upon her retirement in May 2004, she was recognized by the South Carolina House of Representatives for her exceptional service and leadership. Throughout her career, Sandra made a lasting impact on countless students, families, and fellow educators through her unwavering commitment to early childhood education and literacy.

As meaningful as her professional accomplishments were, Sandra’s greatest pride and joy was her family. She shared 62 wonderful years of marriage with her devoted husband, Gerald. As a mother and grandmother, she was a constant source of love, encouragement, and enthusiasm—the ultimate champion of her grandchildren. She delighted in celebrating their accomplishments and being there for every milestone, rarely missing a graduation, recital, or theatrical performance in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania. Her presence was a testament to the deep love she had for her family and the importance she placed on being part of their lives.

Sandra is survived by her beloved husband, Gerald Euster; her daughters, Jamie Euster and Jennifer Euster Levinson (Stuart); her cherished grandchildren, Gabrielle and Joshua Levinson; her sister-in-law, Sandra Garawitz; her nephew, Mark Garawitz; and her niece, Amy Garawitz. She was preceded in death by her dear sister, Rita Trantham, nephew, Neil Garawitz, and brother-in-law, Alfred Garawitz.

Graveside services will be held at the Hebrew Benevolent Society Cemetery, Monday, October 19, 2026 at 3pm. Shiva will be observed at the family home in Columbia, South Carolina.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tree of Life Congregation in Columbia, South Carolina, or to the American Cancer Society.

Sandra leaves behind a legacy of compassion, generosity, and dedication to others. May her memory be a blessing, and may the warmth, kindness, and love she shared continue to inspire all who knew and loved her.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.