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Sondra Seely

Sondra was a very passionate woman with great inspiration.  The staff at SandCastles is very fortunate for her vision, dedication and tenacity.  In 1995, Sondra went to visit the Dougy Center, a children’s bereavement program in Portland Oregon.  She fell in love with the idea that the children seemed to be helping each other and the parents were also receiving the attention they needed.  Sondra had shared with us how difficult it was for her when her son Tommy Seely had died two days after his birth.  

She put the idea of a children’s bereavement program on her ongoing wish list of thirty years.  For all those who have asked why SandCastles? Sondra replied, “because children need to work through their grief in order to be healthy, happy adults.  They will become better adults prepared to deal with other issues relating to loss throughout their lives.

And as you all know when Sondra wants something to happen, it happens and thus we opened the first SandCastles site in 1997.  By year end 2005, Sondra’s dream and inspiration had served over 3000 children, teens and adults.

Sondra’s zest and passion for living life touched and inspired many lives.  Many have experienced her spirited and creative ways.  Through Sondra’s compassion she taught us to stand up for what we believe in, that dedication and commitment make dreams come true, that tough love can move mountains, and that one monkey don’t stop no show. 

On behalf of every SandCastles family, volunteer, and staff we are grateful for Sondra’s example and her dedication to our program that allows us to live out a calling to provide every child, teen and adult with a safe place to grieve their loved ones with the respect and dignity they deserve.  As we continue to serve more families in the future we will do so in memory and honor of the woman who made it all possible, Mrs. Sondra Seely.

And now as we remember Sondra, we wonder if she would be telling all of us to grieve her death in our own way, by lighting a candle, shedding a tear, singing a song, sharing a favorite story over a beer, catching a frog, telling a joke, remembering to play, or one of her favorites eating a piece of chocolate.