Obituary for Sandra Marie Genung
Morris - Sandra Marie Genung, or Sandy as she was known to many, passed away on Sunday, February 21, 2021, at the age of 77. A life-long teacher who dedicated the majority of her life to education, Sandy loved reading her mystery novels, catching up over lunch and traveling the world with friends and family, who all remember her quick wit and her strong Catholic faith.
Born on May 22, 1943, to Sylvia (White) Genung and Charles H. Genung Jr., Sandy graduated from Watertown High School in 1961, and received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut and a Master’s degree from Southern Connecticut State University, both in English/Education, followed by a Sixth-Year Certificate in Educational Administration from the University of Connecticut. Loyal to her alma mater, she remained an avid UConn women’s basketball fan for her entire life. Sandy returned to Watertown High School in 1964, where she taught English for 35 years. She served as Head of the High School Curriculum Committee for 14 years and Head of the English Department for 10, positions she held until her retirement in 1999. Sandra went on sabbatical to Atlanta, Georgia with the Vista Program from 1976-1977, where she worked as an educational coordinator for Bedford Pines Day Care Centers. As co-president of the Watertown Education Association, and a member of the Connecticut Education Association as well as the Connecticut Council of Teachers of English, Sandy represented and fought for her colleagues and fellow teachers. Outside of teaching, Sandy’s greatest passion was dogs—Wirehaired Terriers in particular, including Brody, Tammy, and Timmie—and spent most of her free time playing and working with them. She was an active member of the Northwestern Connecticut Dog Club and the Obedience Dog Training Club of Waterbury.
Sandy is survived by many cousins. A funeral service is being planned for later in the spring, with details to be announced. Memorial donations in her memory can be made to Oxford Animal Shelter and Our Lady of Grace Church, P.O. Box 427, Bantam CT 06750. Oxford Animal Shelter 486 Oxford Rd. Oxford, CT. 06478 Phone # 203-881-3653 or 203-828-8671
Born on May 22, 1943, to Sylvia (White) Genung and Charles H. Genung Jr., Sandy graduated from Watertown High School in 1961, and received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut and a Master’s degree from Southern Connecticut State University, both in English/Education, followed by a Sixth-Year Certificate in Educational Administration from the University of Connecticut. Loyal to her alma mater, she remained an avid UConn women’s basketball fan for her entire life. Sandy returned to Watertown High School in 1964, where she taught English for 35 years. She served as Head of the High School Curriculum Committee for 14 years and Head of the English Department for 10, positions she held until her retirement in 1999. Sandra went on sabbatical to Atlanta, Georgia with the Vista Program from 1976-1977, where she worked as an educational coordinator for Bedford Pines Day Care Centers. As co-president of the Watertown Education Association, and a member of the Connecticut Education Association as well as the Connecticut Council of Teachers of English, Sandy represented and fought for her colleagues and fellow teachers. Outside of teaching, Sandy’s greatest passion was dogs—Wirehaired Terriers in particular, including Brody, Tammy, and Timmie—and spent most of her free time playing and working with them. She was an active member of the Northwestern Connecticut Dog Club and the Obedience Dog Training Club of Waterbury.
Sandy is survived by many cousins. A funeral service is being planned for later in the spring, with details to be announced. Memorial donations in her memory can be made to Oxford Animal Shelter and Our Lady of Grace Church, P.O. Box 427, Bantam CT 06750. Oxford Animal Shelter 486 Oxford Rd. Oxford, CT. 06478 Phone # 203-881-3653 or 203-828-8671