Sandra D. (Skinner) Grunwell

Sandra D. (Skinner) Grunwell, 75 of West Deer Township, formerly of North Carolina, died Friday December 22, 2023 at St. Barnabas Nursing Home, Richland. She was born November 25, 1948 in New Kensington to the late Jack W. and Dolores J. (Beighley) Skinner. Sandra grew up in Plum graduating from Plum High School in 1966. She received her Bachelor in Science degree in Education from Framingham State College, Framingham, MA in 1971, and her Master of Science degree from Ohio State University in 1975, and then a Master of Business Administration from Bowling Green State University in 1980. Sandy worked for over 33 years at Western University, Cullowhee, NC as a Clothing, Textiles, and Merchandising Coordinator and later as an Associate Professor in the Hospitality & Tourism Dept. She was a Certified Hospitality Educator through the Educational Institute of American Hotel and Lodging Association. Her teaching areas of expertise were Club Management, Lodging Management and Retail Management. Sandra’s scholarly works included both national and international publications and presentations on such topics as small business ownership, female entrepreneurship, and sustainable tourism. In addition to working with students in the classroom, she worked closely with students to provide real-world learning opportunities through industry speakers, field trips, study tours, conferences and conventions and internship. Sandra also received many awards and certificates of achievement in various areas of interest and continuing education. She was a member of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, Greensburg Road, New Kensington and attended various churches in Western Carolina area. Sandra was passionate about animal care and welfare, loved teaching and interacting with students and staff, and enjoyed traveling, hiking and outdoor activities.  She was devout in her Christian faith and religious endeavors, and practiced a healthy lifestyle.

Survivors include her sister Linda J. (William M.) Erskine, her niece Katie L. Erskine and her husband Douglas A. Snyder, and her great-nephew Jesse Erskine Snyder all from West Deer.

At Sandra’s request all services and burial will be private. Arrangements were entrusted to the SIWICKI-YANICKO FUNERAL HOME, 23 McKrell Road, Russellton, West Deer Township. View obituary and leave condolences at www.siwicki-yanickofh.com/obituary/Sandra-Grunwell

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sandra D. (Skinner) Grunwell, please visit our floral store.