Sandra C. Newing

Sandra C. Newing, devoted mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully at home on March 9, 2025. Born in 1934 in Endicott, New York, she was the daughter of Stuart L. and Sybil T. Newing.

Sandy graduated from Union - Endicott High School in 1952. She often harkened back to those years as some of the happiest. She played clarinet in the marching band and had a cadre of wonderful friends, with whom she always kept in touch. The local Methodist church was at the center of the Newing family in Endicott. She attended Hood College and graduated from Syracuse University in 1956. That same year, she married Ralph Clarke Nash Jr. and moved to Washington, D.C., where she remained a resident for more than forty years.

Before starting their family, Sandy worked in admissions at George Washington University’s medical school and after raising four children, she was employed at St. Alban’s School as the assistant to the Head of the Lower School from 1983 to 1989. Her volunteer work included serving as a docent at the Washington National Cathedral and on the altar guild at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church.

Sandy’s greatest joy was being a mother, a grandmother and a friend. She showed her kindness through calls, emails, cards and packages, each carefully wrapped in beautiful paper and ribbon. The family’s annual summer week at Rehoboth Beach was at her pleasure and all happily gathered. Sandy would sit on the screened porch and be in constant conversation as everyone came and went. No one looked forward to this week more than Sandy, who thoughtfully saved her $5 bills all year long for everyone’s post-dinner ice cream and boardwalk games. It was mainly during this annual week that her boundless love extended to the partners of her grandchildren, each of whom she cherished. This past summer, 17 family members were with Sandy to celebrate her 90th birthday!

Listening and taking careful note of each small thing shared by a grandchild, “Grandma” or “Nonnie” always knew every detail of their lives. In person, she gave you her full attention and from far away, she always watched over each of us. If one was travelling, Grandma/Nonnie wouldn’t sleep until she knew they were safe. When another called, Grandma/Nonnie would sometimes want to talk for hours, whilst others she would simply say “I just wanted to hear your voice, we’ll hang up now.” Grandma/Nonnie was able to convey so much with a small wink, a squeeze of your hand, or a glimmer in her eye, saying a thousand words without saying anything at all. Her wit and wicked sense of humor always shone through and she had a unique ability to make everyone feel so at ease, valued, and welcome in her company.

Several years after her divorce from her first husband in 1983, Sandy went on a blind date with Peter Braestrup. They married in 1989, much to the delight of their respective children. Peter called her “Sands” and would answer the question “How are you?” with a humorously gruff, “I’m fine now that Sands is home!” Sandy and Peter’s home in Washington, D.C. always had an open door for their many friends and family, and both excelled at the role of step-parent and step-grandparent. The last trip Sandy and Peter took together was in 1997 to Peter’s beloved Denmark. It was a most happy memory, indeed, and one that is kept close as Peter died suddenly a few weeks after their return.

After Peter’s death, Sandy moved to Frederick County, Maryland, eventually settling into her warm home on Stine Court. Her Stine Court friends became extended family. Sandy reciprocated the shared meals, visits and companionship from neighbors by driving many to appointments, cat sitting for “Smokey” and passing along favorite books. The family is most grateful to the Stine Court family for the love they shared during Sandy’s last years.

Sandy was an avid reader, particularly of history and Agatha Christie novels. For many years, she audited a history class each semester at Frederick Community College. She stayed informed with national news and was eager to engage in conversation about current events.

Sandy was a gifted quilter and made a quilt for each of her grandchildren to take to college. She was also a prolific knitter, having learned from her mother who knit for soldiers during WWII. As Sandy’s children and grandchildren dispersed throughout the U.S. and the world, so did her knitted hats and socks. Because of her high production rate, the family was able to give her creations to friends and companions. A few would keep her hats in their cars and if a person seemed to be in need on a cold day in any city, a warm hat would be offered. Sandy took joy in hearing where a hat had ended up!

Sandy is survived by her four grateful children: Martha Nash Seidler (Andy), Linda Nash Engleby (Matt), Stuart Clarke Nash (Caroline), and David Newing Nash, and three step-children: Angelica E. Braestrup (Mark), Elizabeth Kate Braestrup and Carl-Peter Braestrup; eight abundantly beloved grandchildren: Rhiannon Meyers, James Meyers (Jessica), Cotton Engleby (Emma), Sophie Nash (Jamie), Sybil Engleby (Jake), Katherine Nash (Jack), Maitlyn Engleby, and Polly Nash (James), and seven step-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her sister, Helen Annette Crapo.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 21, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Middletown United Methodist Church, 7108 Fern Court, Middletown, MD 21769. A private interment will be held at Floral Park Cemetery in Johnson City, N.Y.

Sandy always had a tender heart for animals. Her family asks that any gifts in her memory be made to Middle Ridge Animal Rescue, 4102 Valley View Road, Middletown, MD 21769.