Obituaries

Sandra L. Avchen, beloved mother, grandmother and great- grandmother, passed away on July 22, 2022 at the age of 96. Sandy was a devoted wife to her husband, Theodore (Tex) Avchen, who preceded her in death. She was a dedicated mother to Michael (Paula), Terry (Denise), Patty and Kathie (Peter Davis), as well as an amazing grandmother to Rebecca, Julie, Jason, Kelli and Brian. Sandy doted over her great-grandchildren, Phoebe and Owen Davis and Mari and Rachel Avchen. Sandy was also survived by her brother, Jack Farrar.

Family was the most important thing to Sandy. She took great pride in creating strong relationships and happy memories with all of them.

Sandy grew up in New Jersey, attended West Philadelphia High School and received her B.S. in Music Education from Temple University, where she was President of her Senior Class.

After marrying Tex, they moved to Metuchen, New Jersey and then to Deal, New Jersey for fifteen years where her children were born. In 1964, the family packed up the station wagon and moved to Beverly Hills, where Sandy became a pianist for the Beverly Hills Schools. During that time she was also a Girl Scout Leader for her daughter’s troop and enjoyed playing tennis.

Music was central to Sandy’s life. As a talented pianist she could play practically any song in any key and was the life of the party. Sandy was a vocal coach for over 30 years and the Musical Director of a singing group of twenty-four women called The Songbirds. They performed all over Los Angeles. Sandy loved the rehearsals and the relationships they all formed. She was a wonderful lyricist and would write lyrics for friends to sing for just about any occasion. She also produced Industrial Shows for many companies in Southern California.

Sandy could be spotted across the room by her beautiful hats, which were her trademark. Everyone who knew Sandy loved her. Her kindness and generous spirit were ever-present and she made her family and friends feel that they were important and loved. Sandy was a great cook and was known for the wonderful dinner parties that she and Tex would host. After dinner everyone would sing around the piano well into the night.

Sandy will be remembered for her love of family and friends, great musicianship, kindness and fun-loving spirit. She will be deeply missed by the many lives that she touched.

The funeral service will be held at Hillside Memorial on Sunday, August 7 at noon.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to ERAscience.org or to The Michael Avchen Campership Fund at Temple Israel in Long Beach California.