Sandra Deutsch Crane

Sandra Deutsch, 75, of Raleigh, North Carolina, passed away on May 19, 2026.

Sandy was born in Denver, Colorado, on November 26, 1950. She graduated from East High School and received her undergraduate degree from Knox College in Illinois. She completed a Master’s Degree in social work at Tulane University in New Orleans.

Sandy was a devoted mother to Nora Crane (Jake Pitzenbarger) and Ted Crane, and a beloved sister to Kathy Deutsch Cole. She will be dearly missed by her niece Lauren Zelin (Michael Zelin), nephew Danny Cole (Kristin Cole), cousins Susy Grazi, Robin Tsesarsky, Shauna Jacobson, and Alex Brown, and numerous relatives across the United States and around the world, including family in Argentina, Australia, and Europe, and countless friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Lucille and Robert Deutsch, who were Holocaust survivors.

Sandy was a devoted social worker for over 50 years, providing support and guidance to countless people facing challenges and tragedies. Early in her career, she supported people dealing with cancer and other health challenges. She went on to the world of adoption and family services, where she helped hundreds of parents find children in need of forever families.

Sandy loved being involved in various activities with family and friends, including attending ‘Canes games, going out to eat around Raleigh, and supporting the Jewish community. Sandy also regularly attended the symphony, theater performances, and art shows. She enjoyed being involved with the Raleigh Little Theater. Sandy was also an avid traveler, having visited numerous states and countries all over the world.

Sandy volunteered for decades across town for numerous organizations, focusing on helping better the lives of individuals and families in various capacities. Sandy was dedicated to her long-term work with the Wake County Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee.

Sandy was a friend to many, known for her sense of humor and personable style. She loved getting to know everyone and made people feel special, whether they had known each other for years or had just met for the first time.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, May 26th, at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 1701 East Millbrook Road, Raleigh, NC, 27609. Shiva will take place that evening from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm at her residence.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Raleigh-Cary Jewish Family Services or the North Carolina Symphony.