Sandra Kay Pellens-Meinhard

Sandra K. Pellens–Meinhard (1944–2025) lived a life rich with music, teaching, family, and a deep commitment to the empowerment of fairness and development. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, she was the daughter of Roger Owens Pellens, longtime manager of Cincinnati Music Hall and director of the Cincinnati Zoo, and Betty Wistner Pellens. With her sister Judy, Sandy grew up in a household where culture, music, and community were everyday companions.

After beginning her career as a science teacher at Aiken High School in Cincinnati, Sandy pursued graduate studies at the University of Iowa. There she earned her M.S. in Science Education and, years later, her Ph.D. in Science Education. It was at Iowa that she met her future husband, Richard Meinhard, during a seminar for graduate assistants. Their first encounter was not romantic but spirited—Richard challenged Sandy on her research, and she answered with conviction. From that debate grew conversations, tennis matches, ballroom dancing, and quickly love. Richard proposed on Valentine’s Day, and the two were married on August 15, 1981, at the Unitarian Church in Iowa City. They celebrated with a pig roast at Terrace Park, dancing, and a weekend filled with family and friends.

Their only son, J Alex, was born in 1982, and Sandy cherished being a mother above all else. Her grandchildren, Alexia and Gwyneth, later became the light of her life, living nearby in Portland and filling her final years with joy.

Sandy’s professional path wove together with Richard’s, beginning in graduate school. At the University of Iowa she worked with Dr. Kaplan in continuing medical education, organized the innovative “Learning at Lunch” program, and contributed to affirmative action efforts with Classie Hoyle. She marched for teachers’ rights in Cincinnati, joined the free speech movement in Iowa, and carried those convictions into her work in Oregon. Together, she and Richard built the Institute for Developmental Science and the Society for the Advancement of Genetic Epistemology (S.A.G.E.), blending classroom practice with site-based research and graduate education in cognitive development. Their collaborations took them and their son to Geneva, Switzerland, and beyond, connecting them with educators and researchers around the world.

In Oregon, Sandy worked as a consultant and administrator with the Oregon Department of Education, Clackamas Education Service District, and Molalla River School District, as well as teaching at Portland State University, Lewis and Clark College, and the University of Portland. She became known for her insistence that teachers look at learning through the perspective of the child, and for her skill in encouraging others to grow.

Outside of work, Sandy’s life was full of joy and connection. She sang with the May Festival Chorus on Cincinnati’s Music Hall stage, and later with friends at church and community events. She loved ballroom dancing, eventually helping organize the Sesame Club’s monthly dances. At home in Portland, she was known as a gracious hostess, quick to entertain at the Burnside house. Holidays in particular were memorable—she delighted in setting a formal table with her fine china and crystal, making each guest feel honored.

One family story captures her spirit. Determined to master the art of Beef Wellington, Sandy set out to create the classic dish. The mushroom duxelles was perfect, the wrapping in prosciutto and pastry ambitious, and the baking nerve-wracking. The result wasn’t flawless, but the meal became a legend in the household—a reminder of her adventurous spirit, her love of entertaining, and her ability to laugh at herself while making others feel welcome.

Sandy was a champion of the underdog and an advocate for fairness. Whether in picket lines, affirmative action programs, or classrooms, she lived her values of equality, respect, and opportunity. She carried herself with warmth and conviction, and she was an engaging conversationalist blending intellect with compassion.

She is survived by her husband, Richard Meinhard–Pellens; their son J Alex and his wife Robyn Meinhard (McClain); and their beloved granddaughters Alexia and Gwyneth. She is also survived by her sister Judith’s children, Matt, Amy, and Becky. She will be remembered with affection by Richard’s siblings Donna Meinhard, Dianne Farris, Doris Howard, Douglas Meinhard, and Dorothea Anderson, and by many friends and colleagues across the country.

A memorial service will be held October 4, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Lake Oswego United Methodist Church, led by Reverend Dr. Tom Nolen with Reverend Donna Meinhard and Reverend Arleon Kelly; a reception will follow.

To see our event and guest list please visit:

 https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1oijYwvjKMJ9wL9DpVfvNPczmzqHstowHMnphuIe9BiE/edit?usp=sharing

To RSVP to any of the events, please RSVP by emailing Doug at dougmeinhard@gmail.com

You may also contact Richard Meinhard directly at meinhardfamily@gmail.com