August 6, 1969 – July 28, 2022
Sister Sandra Tripp, CSJ died on July 28, 2022, at the age of 76 in her 57th year of religious life. Sister Sandy was born on May 19, 1946 in Glens Falls, New York, the daughter of Margaret and Ivan Tripp. She attended Fort Edward grade and high schools, graduating in 1965.
Sister Sandy entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet on September 15, 1965. She pronounced her first vows on August 6, 1968 and her final vows on August 5, 1972. Sister Sandy earned her Bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Oswego State University in 1976 and her Master’s degree from Albany State in 1981.
Sister Sandy was deeply beloved by her family, friends, colleagues and students. She had a wonderful, contagious sense of humor. She was innovative, creative and flexible, with a heart filled with compassion. If someone was needed for a task, Sister Sandy was there, be it working in the community laundry, driving a school bus or ministering in the infirmary.
In 1985, after teaching in area Catholic schools, Sister Sandy became administrator of St. Marie’s School in Cohoes, New York, which subsequently became Cohoes Consolidated Catholic School. She served as co-principal for 13 years and brought her organizational, professional and personal skills to bear. Her influence is still palpable in the many friendships she shared with the teachers, parents and students from the school.
In August of 1998, Sister Sandy joined the Albany Province‘s Community Life Team, and for four years she ministered to the needs of our retired and infirm sisters with empathy, love and skill. Following this, Sister Sandy became administrator of the Provincial House and for six years fulfilled the many duties associated with this position with professionalism, expertise and her hallmark qualities of humor and hospitality. In 2008, Sister Sandy assumed the duties of transportation coordinator, managing cars, drivers and appointments for the sisters. Simultaneously, for the next 12 years, Sister Sandy cared for the Marcella Community of women who reside at the Provincial House.
In 2020, Sister Sandy retired after a life lived in service for others. Sister Sandy once remarked that the greatest gift God had given her was her vocation and she bore witness to that statement daily.
She is mourned by her family, community, friends and Shaker Pointe residents, her lifelong friend Sister Ann Marie O’ Rourke and her dearest companion and caregiver Sister Marcia Blair. Sister Sandy is survived by her sister and brother-in-law Karen and Patrick Bushman, her brother and sister-in-law Mike and Darlene Tripp, her brother Ivan (Bill) and several nieces and nephews.
Her wake will be at St. Joseph’s Provincial House on Friday, August 5 at 9 a.m. followed by her funeral at 10:30 a.m. It is open to the Sisters of Saint Joseph and her immediate family. Contributions in Sister Sandy’s memory may be made to The Office of Mission Advancement, St. Joseph’s Provincial House, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham, NY or donate online.
RIP Sr. Sandra❤️ Loved your infectious smile and laughter! A remarkable teacher I was proud to call “mom”- not that she liked it! So glad you were part of my ICS life.
I knew Sister Sandy in high school when we played sports against each other. She always was full of energy and would give of herself anyway she could. She loved working with young people. She was excellent at what she did. Always with a sense of humor and not forgetting the Grace of God. So easy to confide in. Rest In Peace Sister Sandy. We love and miss you. We know you are safe , secure and happy. Hope they have pizza and sausage bread in Heaven.
My dearest friend, we were miles apart in distance, but never far from my thought or heart. I’m a little in disbelief as I sit here. I will miss you. I know that knowing and loving you made me a better person. Your love and loyalty never wavered. Your service to the community was unprecedented. I have loved you a life time, and I am grateful for the privilege. You were always family.