Sandra Merritt Brown

Sandra Merritt Brown

August 01, 1942 - June 30, 2021

On Wednesday, June 30, 2021, after a brief illness, Sandra, of Cranberry Twp, formerly Ross Twp, passed away peacefully with her family at her bedside. She leaves behind her husband of 54 years, Larry R. Brown; mother of Cecelia (Richard) Maenza, Wexford,PA, David (Meike Wiesenberg) Brown, Saratoga Springs, NY; grandmother of Ethan, Benjamin, Alyssa, Shauna, Annika and Camilla; two brothers in Wilmington, NC, Eugene Merritt and John (Felicia) Merritt; predeceased by her brother Steve (Jane) Merritt, Cary, NC. Ten nieces and nephews. And last, but not least, her favorite, beloved cat and constant companion, Andy Too.

Born August 1, 1942, in Savannah, Ga to Eugene and Rosa (Farrior) Merritt, she grew up in Wilmington, NC. Her favorite place on earth was sitting in a rocker on a porch at Wrightsville Beach where she vacationed almost every summer of her life.

She earned her BA in English Literature at UNC Greensboro and her MFA at University of Pittsburgh. An elementary school teacher, Sandy also taught creative writing at the Carnegie in Pittsburgh. She loved to read and write. She published several books and kept a daily journal for over 50 years. Active in two book clubs, AAUW and one she started in 1982, she attended her last book group meeting just three weeks before her death.

Sandy was active in several clubs in Pittsburgh, AAUW, DAR and Colonial Dames and was a deacon at Hiland church. She loved and respected her southern heritage. She was the official historian for her family and unofficial historian for Hiland Presbyterian Church and Ross Township. One particular accomplishment she was proud of was the restoration and preservation of a log house that was situated on the Schlag Farm in Ross Twp.

Sandy will be remembered as a smart, compassionate, funny and loyal friend. She will be missed.

There will be no visitation. A memorial service is planned for 11:00, Monday, July 26 at Hiland Presbyterian Church, 845 Perry Hwy, Pittsburgh, PA 15229 with reception/lunch to follow in fellowship hall. Private burial before service. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made in Sandy’s name to Hiland Presbyterian Church.