Peeta S.           Sandleman

Peeta S. Sandleman, 82, died peacefully on November 24, at her home in Camarillo Springs, Calif., with her husband and daughters by her side.

She was the sister of Peg Forbell and sister-in-law of Ed (Stretch) Forbell of Sandy Hook.

She was born in New Haven to William S. and Louise (Richards) Sherman. She graduated first in her class from Newtown High School and graduated with honors from Barnard College of Columbia University in New York City in 1942. She was recruited during World War II by Liberty Mutual to be one of the few women to become a professional underwriter. She left the insurance field for a short period for a career in theater. She and her husband, Joel Sandleman, owned and operated an insurance, real estate, and property management firm in New Haven for many years.

She had the opportunity to travel to exotic destinations with her husband and closest friends, Burt and Charlotte Farver. Peeta established a loving home for her family in Connecticut in Branford, Orange, on Lake Waramaug in New Preston, and finally in Greenwich before moving to California in 1984. Peeta was an avid reader and enjoyed writing reports for her book club and played bridge regularly. She crocheted and knit afghans for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She had a lifelong interest and commitment to human rights issues, and passed her passion for justice and an understanding of history on to her children.

Her love, compassion, and intellect were an inspiration to all her children and all who knew her. Peeta was a woman before her time, combined with a graciousness and gentility, which she retained throughout her life.

In addition to her sister and brother-in-law, Peeta is survived by her husband of 45 years, Joel; and her two daughters, Judith Jordan and Kate Kinkade and their husbands, Gregory Jordan and Patrick Ramsey. She is also survived by her stepdaughter, Sherri Henkin and stepson, Alan Sandleman, and their spouses, Herschel Henkin and Michelle Laska; brother-in-law, Marc Sandleman of Annapolis, Md.; grandchildren, Jeff, Jamie, Jamaa, Kikanza, Ari and Leah; and great-grandchildren, Jacob, Jahni, Dylon, Leha, Justin, Jonathan, Skye, Malcolm, Simone, and Noam. She is also survived by and well loved and respected by her nieces and nephews, Sherman, April, Andrew, Eric, Richard, and Laura; and many cousins. She will be sorely missed by her dear friends, Charlotte Farber and her children, Stuart, Beth, Michael, Ronnie, and Amy; Russel and Rose Smith; and John Donavan and his family. Her last eight years have been enriched by her warm and generous new friends at The Springs.

Services and burial were held on November 30 at Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks Mortuary, 5600 Lindero Canyon Road, Westlake Village, Calif.

The Newtown Bee        December 3, 2004