The Decades Edition: Sandy DeTar MC1962 - 7 things about our '60s Sister of Omega

Welcome to the first installment of The Decades Edition for AXO Omega Alumnae. The Decades Edition is an ongoing series in which Sigma Psi Sigma, the virtual AXO Omega Alumnae Chapter, profiles alumnae from different decades. Check out these other AXO Omega Decades Editions: 1970s, 1980s Each profile celebrates an inspirational and energizing sister. We hope these profiles inspire you to connect with an AXO Omega sister or two.

Our first profile is about Sandy Lord DeTar who hails from the 1960s membership classes. Read about Sandy and find out how you can attend her 60 year pin ceremony!

Introducing Sandy Lord DeTar

Sandy Lord DeTar is loving life in her 55+ retirement community in Sparks, NV. She was making some treats for a social gathering the evening that she and I chatted on the phone. Did I ask if there would be wine? No. I did not. However, during our conversation and subsequent texts, I got to know a bit about Sandy and I have to say – I like her style!

The Early Years

Thing 1. Sandy was in the Omega membership class 1962 and as such she was one of the first sisters to live in the house on Monroe Avenue in Pullman, WA.

Check out these treasures Sandy shared with us. That's her - in the photo to the left, top row, second from the left. Other photos show the ladies wearing carnations after their initiation.

From the halls of Lewis and Clark High School in Spokane, WA to posing in front of the fireplace at Omega chapter, Sandy settled in at WSU and made countless lifelong friends. She liked living in the new house, participating in rituals, and visiting The Coug (which she described as “more fun!").

Thing 2. After graduating with a degree in Nutrition, Sandy took graduate studies at the school that shall not be named in Seattle, WA. It was here where Sandy met her first husband and together they moved to the San Francisco Bay Area. After Sandy and her first husband divorced, Sandy met her second (and best!) husband and together they stayed in the Bay Area until the late 1990s.

Career

It was in the Bay Area where Sandy's career blossomed and; I would say - Thing 3 - she became a pioneer in the use of nutrition to treat kidney disease in addition to dialysis. Four times a year, she’d take her clever self to NYC where she would meet with other leaders at the National Kidney Foundation to discuss best practices and learn about promising new approaches. Way to go Sandy!

Thing 4. After an early semi-retirement, Sandy and her husband Curt tried on entrepreneur hats and the hats were an excellent fit. They founded and grew a Molly Maid franchise in Sparks, NV. After building it for 8 years, they later sold a successful business.

Free Time

While in California - Thing 5 - Sandy became involved in AXO Alumnae activities as well as became an advisor for the Alpha Chi Omega Pi chapter at the University of California, Berkeley. She traveled to the national convention in Scottsdale, AZ and made new friends that she keeps in contact with today. For her Omega sisters, Sandy travels back to Seattle from time to time to visit pledge sisters and other women from the house. Occasionally, one of the Omega sisters holds 1960s reunions and they all get together to catch up and no doubt spill tea.

Thing 6. Traveling is in Sandy’s DNA and as you read this article, she may be in Maui. She timed this trip specifically to see the beautiful whales that show up every February. While Maui is her latest destination, Sandy has traveled far and wide in vintage cars, RVs, cruises, and of course planes. Spain, the Greek Islands, Italy, England, Portugal, nearby Tahoe and her tried and true Maui, HI are all destinations she’s marked on her Bingo card.

60 Year Membership Pin Ceremony

Thing 7. Some of the Sigma Psi Sigma members will be traveling to Sandy’s current town of Sparks, NV to present her well earned 60 Year Membership Pin. We are thrilled to meet her in person and can’t wait to celebrate Sandy. Want to join us? Contact Sigma Psi Sigma at  wsuaxoalumnae@gmail.com to get on the Evite list!