Sandra (Sandy) Tomlinson, of Daniel Island, South Carolina, passed away on August 10, 2026, at the age of 88.

She was born in Burley, Idaho, and grew up in Burley, Twin Falls, and Pocatello. The daughter of Rolland and Vera Bradford, she had a happy, active childhood filled with dance lessons and saxophone instruction, in which she became very accomplished.

Sandra graduated from Pocatello High School, where she participated in the band, National Honor Society, Girls State, and Drill Team. She earned her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Idaho State University, where she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority and worked for the Architecture Department.

She began her teaching career in elementary education in Ypsilanti, Michigan, before moving to West Virginia to teach Early Childhood Education while pursuing her PhD. In West Virginia, she affiliated with CIP (Classification of Instructional Programs), a program promoting international student exchange. In this role, Sandra traveled extensively across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South and Central America, interviewing students and visiting colleges, universities, and government officials.

She later served as Department Chair and professor for Early Childhood Education in Terre Haute, Indiana. Moving to Annapolis, Maryland, she taught at Chesapeake College and lived closer to her daughter. It was in Annapolis that she met the love of her life, Anthony Tomlinson. The couple celebrated their marriage at the Officers Club in Annapolis and shared 21 joyous years together, living in Georgetown and Pawleys Island, South Carolina, before Anthony’s passing on April 28, 2024. Sandra subsequently moved to Daniel Island to be near her family.

Sandra will be remembered for her culinary artistry—finely honed through her world travels—as well as her love for reading, films, and classical music. Above all, she dedicated her life to educating and guiding others, positively impacting hundreds of children throughout her teaching career and tutoring students learning English as a second language.

She is survived by her daughter, Melynda Britt; her son-in-law, Steve Britt; her granddaughter, Alison (Ali) Britt; and her brother, Jack Bradford.

Special recognition is given to her daughter, Melynda, who served as a pillar of strength, care, and devotion for both Sandra and Anthony through their final days.

Sandra passed from this world at 3:45 AM on Monday, August 10, 2026, to begin a new, long-awaited journey to a place without boundaries, without time. A dark pathway lay before her; she proceeded slowly, cautiously at first.

As the first rays of light began to bring definition to her surroundings, she could see grassy rolling hills before her. The landscape was dotted with flowers whose colors brightened with the increasing light around her. The pathway angled up a hill, and upon reaching the top, she saw a beautiful valley extending before her. A babbling brook passed through the valley, and spanning the water was a flash of light—a rainbow bridge.

Across the bridge stood a tall man with beautiful white hair and a lovely smile, waving to her. Her pace quickened as she crossed that rainbow bridge... they embraced, joined hands, turned, and began the journey that would last forever.