Sandra Lynn Epp

Sandra Lynn (Brandt) Epp July 12, 1940 - June 30, 2013 A memorial service/ celebration of life will be held Monday, July 8, 2013, at 11:00 a.m., at the First Presbyterian Church. Pastor Scott Dickson will officiate. A graveside service will be held at Hillcrest Mortuary at 9:00 a.m. with a visitation on Sunday, July 7, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sandra was born in Bakersfield to Henry and Esther Brandt who preceded her. She attended local schools Longfellow, Washington Jr. High and graduated from East Bakersfield High School in 1958. She attended Westmont College and Tabor College receiving her B.A. in Elementary Education and graduate work at Fresno State University and California State University, Bakersfield where she was awarded the Outstanding Master Teacher Certificate. Sandra taught in Emporia City Schools (Distinguished - William Allen White School), Torrance Unified Schools, Kern County Superintendent of Schools (Deaf and Hard of Hearing children) and the Bakersfield City Schools for a total of 37 years. Sandra together with her husband started the Readyland/Heritage Schools in 1967 where she also was the Summer School Director in 1968. Sandra was the pianist at Heritage Bible Church (formally Mt. Vernon Mennonite Brethren Church) ad upon her return to Bakersfield she organized the Children's Ministry and served with her husband as the High School Youth Program Sponsors. Sandra taught at Pioneer Drive School (BCSD) for 32 years (Kindergarten) and was selected as a Mentor Teacher for many years and received the Outstanding Master Teacher Status 1996. Sandra also received the Outstanding Teacher Of The Year Award. She belonged to the California Retired Teachers and Delta Kappa Gamma Professional Educators Association. Her love for music and singing inspired her to join the Westminister Choir at First Presbyterian Church and the Collegiate choirs for a number of years. While at Westmont College she taught school in Maui as a summer ministry program. At First Presbyterian Church she also was on the Prayer core team and belonged to the Clipper Club. Sandra and her husband traveled extensively throughout Canada, United States, Europe, and the Middle East, as US delegates to the World Federation of Health, Applied Psychology and the International School Psychology Congresses. She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Werner H. Epp, Ed.D; son and daughter-in-law, Jarrell and Amanda Epp and their five adoring children: Jaston, Jarrett, Alexa, Jenner and Ainsley; brother and sister-in-law Gary and Marge Brandt; niece Jennifer Brandt Lanham (husband Steve and family); nephew Michael Brandt (wife Oriana and family) The family wishes to thank Dr. Margaret Ray and Dr. James Dunn and the tremendous staff at Cottage Hospital (6th Central) for the care given to Sandra during the past 20 years of treatment in Santa Barbara. In lieu of flowers, Sandra's family would like contributions to be made to First Presbyterian Westminster Choir, The Mission at Kern County or the California School Project.