Sandra Lee Coupe

Sandra was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina and spent her childhood moving to a variety of locations while her father was in the military. Her family lived in Arlington, Virginia, Greenwich, Connecticut, Camp Zama, Japan, Fort Campbell, Kentucky and Alaska. When she began working for the FBI, Sandra purchased a townhouse in Woodbridge and remained there until she moved into Westminster in Lake Ridge in 2017.

Sandra was an excellent student, graduating from both the University of Alaska with a bachelor’s degree in education and Catholic University with a master’s degree in library science. An active member of Mensa, Sandra enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, word games and finishing complicated desktop puzzles, many of which she had framed. Sandra was also an avid coin and stamp collector as well as a collector of anything that had to do with giraffes. She cared for many pets over the years, with her favorite pet being a black teacup poodle named Dee-Dee.

Sandra retired from the Federal Bureau of Investigation after 40 years of service. She worked as a librarian at the Training Academy and as a Management Analyst in the Behavioral Sciences Unit. A proficient researcher, Sandra assisted many FBI agents with their doctoral work and was repeatedly recognized with awards for her contributions to the organization.

Following retirement, Sandy traveled extensively and actively participated in the Silver Foxes social club. She was a devout Catholic and enjoyed regularly attending religious retreats as well as participating in activities at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.

Sandra is the daughter of the late Col. Robert D. and Margaret Mary Coupe. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Michael G. Coupe. She is survived by her sister, Martha Schneider, and husband David, of Charlottesville, VA. She is also survived by her niece, Rachel M. Alben of Arlington, VA.

A funeral Mass will be held for Sandra this Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 12:30 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 12807 Valleywood Drive Lake Ridge VA 22192. The family will be receiving guests at the church one hour prior to Mass. Interment will be at 2:30 pm at St. Mary’s of Sorrows Historic Church, 5612 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, VA 22039.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Hospice organization of your choice.