Sandra “Sandy” Kay Snell, 79, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2025, at Barnes Jewish Christian Evelyn’s House in Creve Coeur, Missouri.

Born on August 12, 1945, in Oakland, California, while her father was serving in the Pacific during World War II, Sandy spent her early years in Missouri, where she developed a lifelong love for learning. She graduated from the University of Missouri in 1972 with a Bachelor of Arts in Library Science. Her passion for knowledge and education led her to earn both a Master of Library and Information Science and a PhD in the same field.

After college, Sandy served in the Peace Corps in Peru, where she worked to meet local needs and promote cultural understanding. This experience sparked her deep love of travel, and throughout her life she journeyed to places like Mexico, Germany, England, Italy, and China to name a few. She immersed herself in local cultures, often found exploring neighborhood markets, shops, and restaurants — always connecting with people and savoring everyday life.

Sandy devoted 30 years of her professional life to the University of Missouri–St. Louis, where she rose through the ranks to become the Head of the Reference Department. She was a respected leader, dedicated mentor, and advocate for access to information.

Sandy had a sharp wit, a wonderful sense of humor, and a deep affection for her hometown of St. Louis. She enjoyed music at Blueberry Hill, cherished live theater — with favorite performances in St. Louis, Chicago, and New York City — and loved sharing stories of her travels and experiences.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred LeRoy Snell II and Edna Inez Snell of Sullivan, Missouri; her aunt, Genevieve Leonard; her sister, Sue Dean; her brother, Fred LeRoy Snell III; and her nephew, Tommy Fite. Sandy is survived by her sisters, Marlene Robinson (Wayne) of Springfield, MO, and Christine Snell of Sullivan, MO; her nephew James Snell (Carolyn); her nieces Hally Towers (Chad), Amy Drozda (Chip), Gretchen Branson (Brad), Stacey Dahms, Amanda Kaysinger (Sean), and Adrienne Jenkins; and her nephews Josh Stroup (Jessica) and Ben Snell. She is also lovingly remembered by her dear friends Katie (Jay) and Carolyn.

In accordance with her wishes, a private Celebration of Life will be held. No additional services are planned.

Sandy will be remembered for her intellect, independence, generosity of spirit, and the joy she found in discovering the world and sharing it with others. She truly embodied the spirit of the phrase, “Not all who wander are lost,” finding meaning and connection wherever her travels took her.