Sandra Zahn-Oreck

Sandra Zahn-Oreck (1940-2021) It is with infinite sadness that we announce the passing of artist, teacher, and aesthete Sandra Zahn-Oreck, 81. Beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, she died peacefully in her home surrounded by much love and her cherished art collection. Sandra is survived by her brother, Steven Zahn (Teri), her children, Scott Shagrin (Lauren), Susan Pitkowsky (Matthew), Andrew Shagrin (Ségolène), and Alden Oreck (Tiffany); her 11 grandchildren, Michael and Carly Shagrin, Lara (Dave), Taylor, Jaryn, and Samuel Pitkowsky, Emilie, Juliette, and Talia Shagrin, Millicent and Meehan Oreck; her nieces Elise Zahn (Dene), Bonnie Zahn (Tasha), and great-nibling Leo Zahn. Sandra, aka Sandy, who grew up in Kings Point, NY, was a member of the final graduating class of Great Neck Senior High School (before it became Great Neck North). Art was always her passion, and after attending Pine Manor College, she began sculpting at age 21. After winning first prize honors at the very first professional exhibition she entered in 1973, Sandra created numerous sculptures and prints (all inspired by her sculptures), and her work has been displayed in more than 100 corporate and private collections around the world. Upon moving to New Orleans in 1975, Sandra opened a gallery and sculpture studio in the French Quarter. Sandra represented and exhibited national and international artists, and her children have fond memories of the parties that accompanied each opening–Sandra was the center of attention while talented, sometimes quirky, artists roamed–all of which were memorialized in the next day’s newspaper. Sandra's next life chapter took her to Washington DC, where she worked at several art and cultural organizations. She then retired to Boca Raton, where she maintained a full schedule of social, cultural, and philanthropic activities, and continued pursuing art through photography. Sandra embraced life, and lived it on her own terms. Next to family and art, her greatest passion was traveling the world, often with a grandchild or two (or 11!) in tow. Sandra has been described by those who love her as unique, interesting, generous, feisty, gutsy, talented, independent, beautiful, and determined. Sandra kept everyone around her laughing, and never passed up an opportunity to correct a perceived misuse of the English language or mispronunciation of her name. Sandra was a strong supporter of the arts, particularly the Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival, the U.S. Holocaust Museum, and the Hamptons art community. A graveside service will take place at Mt. Hebron Cemetery, Flushing, NY, on Friday, November 26, 2021, at 11 am, where Sandra will be laid to rest next to her parents and grandparents. To attend the service virtually, please go to https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/146171755, where it will be livestreamed. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a contribution in memory of Sandra can donate to any of the organizations that touched Sandra's heart the most: the Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival, the U.S. Holocaust Museum, or Gift of Life International. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.riversidenassaunorthchapels.com for the Zahn-Oreck family.