Ms. Sandra Hemenway-Kownacki, age 78, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away Monday morning, November 18, 2024, at her residence. She was born on August 30,1946 to the late Deloris L. Hemenway and Elmer (Jim) Hemenway Sr. of St. Louis, Missouri.
Sandra, a devoted mother, is survived by her autistic daughter Amy Lynn Kownacki, who she dedicated her life to. She is also survived by her sister Sharon (late Don) Anderson; brothers, Elmer (Jim) Hemenway and Tim (Suzanne) Hemenway; nephews, Steve (Mary) Hemenway and Scott (Katie) Hemenway; and niece, Kristen Hemenway.
Sandra graduated from South East Missouri State University in 1968 and went on to achieve her Master’s degree and Plus 30. She was a sorority sister of Alpha Chi Omega. Sandra was a teacher in the Mehlville School district for over 28 years until her retirement. After her retirement, Sandra worked for the St. Louis Regional Center for Developmental Disabilities as a Parent Policy Partner, a Director of Disabilities for Jefferson Franklin County Head Start and as a First Steps examiner for the state of Missouri. Sandra also served as an Arnold Missouri Township Committee woman. Sandra was President of the National Autism Society of America for two terms, a founding member of the National Organization for Autism Research and served on the National Board of Directors for the Autism Society of America. Sandra was an influential advocate for individuals with autism and a tireless champion for educational and developmental programs for children and adults on the autism spectrum.
Sandra’s love for shopping was legendary, always finding the perfect outfit for any occasion. A true retail enthusiast. Sandra loved her diet coke, along with traveling, going to the movies and trying new restaurants. Sandra lived her life to the fullest and especially loved spending time with her family, friends and dog Zoe.
In keeping with Sandra’s wishes, a private service will be held for immediate family only.
Sending love and prayers to all of you- I will miss her also, she was an inspiration to me – letting me visit her classroom and passing on her knowledge. She was such a spirited person and I am so glad I got to see her twice this past year.
Again, you all are in my thoughts and prayers for peace and strength, Love – Julie
Sandy was always so nice to me and I’m blessed to have had her as my God mother. 🙏🏼❤️
Sandy and I taught together for 6 years at Trautwein Elementary school many years ago. We were the first to do a team-teaching assignment where we had 2 classrooms with bifold doors in the middle. It was an interesting project. She definitely was a shopper and lots of fun.
My thoughts and prayers to you all.
Sandy was a wonderful person. She was a wonderful neighbor and like a mom to me and grandma to our boys. We loved her very much! She will be missed!
This is Dana Hockensmith. I’m a retired attorney. I represented Sandy and her daughter Amy for many years in their fight for appropriate education for Amy. When Sandy was President of the Autism Society of America she asked me to serve as attorney for the Society, which I did for a number of years. Sandy was dedicated to working for Amy and for everyone on the autism spectrum. While she had some “interesting ” an innovative ideas and approaches that we had to work through, she was fully dedicated to the best interests of people with autism. She was very funny, and we had a great time together on many occasions. I did not know she had died until today. Her name came up in some conversation about working for people with disabilities. Let me express my deepest sympathies to the family. I hope they see this comment even though it’s late. And most importantly I hope Amy is doing well.
Thank you Dana for your kind words, Sandy is greatly missed by all her family.
BTW Besides Amy missing her mom, she is happy and doing well.