Saundra Diane Rubinstein

“I would like to be remembered as a person who is honest, compassionate and generous.” — Sandy

Sandy Rubinstein was born in the coal mining town of Galloway, WV on September 15, 1943. Living in a coal mining community taught Sandy a sense of family, community, tenacity, hard work, and perseverance. She spoke quite fondly of her experiences in Galloway, and she was truly a coal miner’s daughter. She was proud of her Appalachian roots and never forgot where she came from.

Sandy always loved school and was an excellent and conscientious student. Sandy’s love of learning and her determination to succeed would serve her well throughout her life. After graduating from high school in 1961, she married and moved to Morgantown, WV, then to Huntsville, AL in 1966 and finally to Atlanta, GA in 1971. By now a single mother, she earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts (both in Sociology) at Georgia State University in Atlanta, while simultaneously working full-time and raising two teenagers. With her Master’s degree now earned she served as the Center Administrator for Atlanta Cancer Surveillance at Emory University. Sandy married Michael Rubinstein in 1978, and became Vice President and CFO of their company, Rubinstein and Associates, Inc. A shrewd businesswoman, Sandy managed all financial operations for both their company and their personal lives.

Sandy was a loving, generous, and honest person who fiercely loved her family. She was compassionate, nurturing and loved others unconditionally. She was a tireless volunteer for many organizations including Girl Scouts of America, Bethesda Senior Center, Simpson Elementary, Sawnee Elementary, Wesleyan School, King Springs Village, and the Fox Theater. Her energy, generosity and willingness to spearhead any task benefitted her children, grandchildren, and countless others over the years.

Sandy’s special interests included singing, piano, cycling, tap dance, ballroom dance, travel, camping, bridge, photography and special adventures with her grandchildren. She was always eager to learn new skills and “can’t” was never in her vocabulary. She loved being on stage and participated in senior pageants and performing groups that included the Sophisticated Ladies, Paris Dancers, Georgia Senior Follies, Georgia Classic Club and Dazzling Dames. She loved to entertain and spent countless hours performing at retirement communities, assisted living facilities and churches bringing joy to others through music and dance.

Sandy loved cycling and nature, and she and Michael regularly rode their tandem bicycle. They spent most of their cycling time on the Greenway near their home, where they enjoyed spotting wildlife and native flora and fauna. They were avid world travelers with destinations that included Africa, New Zealand, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Alaska, and Hawaii. They shared a love of Cumberland Island, GA and camped there many times. They also owned a home on Sanibel Island, FL for many years and shared that special sanctuary with many friends and family. Sandy’s travel with friends took her to France, China, Costa Rica, and Peru. Sandy was fondly known by her grandchildren as “Gammie” and could be found with them riding roller coasters at Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, or holding a special themed weekend with them at a state park.

Sandy lived a fulfilled life, and she had an adventurous, curious spirit. As the ultimate encourager, she often shared her personal mantra of “live in the moment” with others, especially with her grandchildren. She was a big believer in enjoying life and making the most of each day. Sandy’s personal legacy is the way in which she positively impacted others and what she did to enrich other peoples’ lives. We will all miss her vivacious personality and zest for living — she was truly an original.

Sandy lost a brief, courageous battle with cancer on July 22, 2024. She passed away peacefully in the home that she and Michael shared for 26 years. Sandy is survived by Michael Leon Rubinstein, her beloved husband of 46 years, daughter Jamie Andrick Stewart (Rob), son Jerry Craig Andrick (Stacey); grandchildren Mackenzie Diane Stewart, Noah Lawrence Andrick (Ella Jeanette Harris) and Ava Irene Andrick; and great-grandchildren Melrose Tyra Lamont Harris and Holly Hollingsworth Andrick.

Sandy did not want a traditional funeral, and per her wishes her family will instead hold a private celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Sierra Club or your favorite charity.