Sandra McDonough, a retired chief clerk of the New York Public Library, passed away on Friday at the age of 88 due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease. She died in the Sunrise assisted living facility in Marlboro, N.J. Known for her kind demeanor and love for nature, Sandra was a beloved figure, not only in her family but also in her community.
Born Sandra Smith on the North Shore, she spent her early years in Great Kills, where her family moved when she was just a toddler. There, she would meet her future husband, James McDonough, after he returned from his service with the US Marines.
As young adults, the couple worked on Wall Street, sharing moments during lunch breaks amidst the bustling city. Sandra often delivered tuna fish sandwiches to Jim at Trinity Church’s historic graveyard, where they cherished conversations by Alexander Hamilton’s tomb.
After their marriage and living in various neighborhoods including Dongan Hills and Greenridge, the McDonoughs settled in Great Kills in 1966, taking residence in Sandra’s childhood home. They remained there until relocating to Sunrise two years ago.
A dedicated parishioner of St. Patrick’s R.C. Church in Richmond, Sandra served as the former vice president of the St. Helena Guild, staying actively involved in her community. She graduated from Tottenville High School and initially worked at the First National City Bank (now Citibank) before choosing to focus on raising her family.
Later in life, she returned to the workforce and spent 20 years as a chief clerk in the New York Public Library system, mainly at the Dongan Hills branch, where many fondly knew her as “Sandy.” After retiring in 2000, she devoted herself to her beloved grandchildren.
A passionate gatherer, Sandra cherished family time at their country homestead in Roscoe, N.Y., where the couple built a house in 1984. Surrounded by nature, the property, which has been in the Smith family since 1947, held special importance to her, and her ashes will be laid to rest there.
Sandra was not only known for her cooking and baking skills—winning awards for her cookies and brickle—but also for her artistic talents, including seamstress work and ceramics. She had a special affinity for needlecraft, being an active member of the library’s knitting group which created hats and blankets for infants in need.
For each grandchild’s birth, she lovingly crocheted beautiful afghans, some of which her adult grandchildren still sleep with as cherished keepsakes. Sandra also created a close-knit community among her friends, holding hair dye touch-up sessions at home as part of a hair club that entertained many over the years.
Her active social life often had her family waiting after Sunday Mass as she happily chatted with friends.
Sandra McDonough leaves behind her husband, James, five children, three daughters-in-law, a son-in-law, nine grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. She will be deeply missed, particularly by those who knew her for her warmth and love.
Her legacy continues through the lives she touched and the love she shared.
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