Obituary of Sandra Knott

Sandra “Sandy” Phyllis Knott died in Springfield, Oregon on June 26, 2013 at the age of 75 from Alzheimer’s disease. Born in Massachusetts, Sandra chose nursing as her profession beginning as a pediatric nurse,training at Children’s Hospital in Boston, working as a visiting nurse and eventually becoming a nurse practitioner and diabetes educator with a B.S. from Case Western Reserve University, and Masters Degrees from the University of Washington and Gonzaga University. As much as she loved her career, Sandra’s true passion was running. Sandra began running competitively in college and excelled, becoming a National Champion in the 880 yard and 800 meter events (1963 & 1964), cross country (1965) and represented the United States as an Olympian in the 800 meter event in the Tokyo Olympic Games in 1964. Sandra promoted running and physical fitness throughout her life, competing in events until 2007. Sandra was a woman of Faith who was very active in the Episcopalian church and always helped others. In 2005 she was reunited with her daughter that she gave up for adoption at birth and both experienced much happiness as a result of this reunion. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Twylla and Joel Miller, granddaughter Olivia Miller, and sisters: Sherry Guerin, Suzanne Knott and Stephanie Tunia-Jackson. Sandra was a shining star who touched many people throughout her life and whose smile and spirit will be forever missed.