Sandra D. Dentinger
A celebration of Sandy’s life will be held in warmer weather.
Sandra Diane Dentinger, affectionately known as Sandy, passed away on Saturday,
January 24, 2026, at the age of 69 in her Bellingham, Washington home, surrounded by
family. Born on December 29, 1956, in Castro Valley, California, to Charles Walter
Greene and Helen Doreen Randolph, Sandy lived a life filled with adventure, love, and
an unwavering spirit of generosity.
Sandy’s childhood was spent in Alamo, California, where she attended San Ramon
Valley High School. An avid athlete and trailblazer, she played on the boys’ water polo
team during the early days of Title IX and excelled as a swimmer, earning All-American
honors in seven events at the 1980 U.S. Nationals. Her academic journey took her to
UC Davis, where she earned a degree in Political Science, followed by a fellowship with
The CORO Foundation.
Her career began as a transportation lobbyist with Gerber and Associates in
Sacramento, later transitioning to roles with The CORO Foundation and U.S. Senator
Pete Wilson. Sandy’s professional path was marked by memorable moments, including
speaking at the dedication of Mt. Ansel Adams in Yosemite alongside Robert Redford.
In 1983, Sandy married Fred Dentinger, and in 1985 they moved to Bellingham to raise
their children. Sandy embraced part-time work and volunteerism allowing her to also
focus on her family, contributing to political campaigns, teaching CPR for the Red Cross,
and serving as an EMT with Fire District 4. Her adventurous spirit led her to drive buses
for WTA until health challenges arose.
Sandy’s zest for life extended to her hobbies: traveling, cycling (completing four Seattle-
to-Portland rides), skiing, sailing, camping, and volunteering with organizations like the
Assistance League of Bellingham. She cherished hosting exchange students and
creating unforgettable memories with her family.
Sandy is survived by her husband Fred; children David (Jamie Karlson) and Diane
(Brent Etzel); grandchildren Grant Etzel and Catalina Dentinger; brother George
Greene; niece Ashly Lueth; exchange children Carola and Juca Zonensein and Fredi
Nitsch; and their families.
Her adventurous spirit and kind heart will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew her.
Memories
From Helen Litton
I am so sorry to read of Sandy's passing. She was such a vibrant and strong example of how to live a full and productive life and was always so kind and concerned for others. I knew her through our membership at the Assistance League and throughout her time there she always had a smile. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends with this tragic loss.
From Kate Bennett
Sandy was a year older at San Ramon. She was friends of my sister Kris.
My father Ernie Bennett was her Water Polo coach. She was an amazing athlete. So very smart. She was liked by her peers at SRVHS.
She left her family way too soon.
My thoughts and prayers are with her family. ❤️🫶❤️
From Tom Rosenberg
Living next to Sandy for the past 23 years was a real treat. She brightened up the neighborhood with her positive outlook and infectious laugh. A wonderful and memorable person. Thanks for being you.
From Mark D Hill
We will miss Sandy in so many ways, including her love of people. Two stories:
* As my wife Sue wrote in an email to a few of you, Sandy is friendly with all. On hikes, she greets everyone and gets many talking. Sue and I were hiking yesterday--using AllTrials that Sandy turned us on to--when we greeted some fellow hikers and thought of her.
* Sandy was great organizer, morning person, but faded late in the day. I share all of these to a lesser extent. On big Dentinger family camping trips Sandy and I would co-conspire to get people moving for an outing by mid-morning. While this may not sound hard, the Dentinger are quite capable of talking all day. Often it took us getting in the "first" cars leaving to overcome Dentinger inertia to stay in place.
We miss her and will not see the likes of her again soon. Love, Mark
From Paul Dentinger
Hey Fred,
Once could argue, that the obit's are for the living, so in many ways this is for you. I would say that as a pile of us enter the late 50's and 60's, the mathmetician in me knows that statistically, this is going to happen to some people. But the person in me knows it still sucks. The world has rarely known a more pleasant, energetic person in Sandy. And kudos to the two of you, you are a great couple. I know of only one other couple where both parties of such are so friendly and such a joy to be around even independently, but together even if nobody else is there, make it a gathering. Just a great partnership of smile and positivity that few can match.
I suspect it'll be tough for a while, but I know your charm and smile will break through, and you'll get through this. Looking forward to more adventures to come.
From Bekki Weston
Sandy & I were volunteer instructors with the American Red Cross senior citizen Driver Refresher class, back in the late 80s/early 90s. I welcomed her arrival to WTA, where I had already been working; she excelled in customer service and safe driving. A wondeful woman. Love to all the family in your loss.
From Christy Dahms
Fred,
All it took was a phone call or text and "The Dentinger Twosome" were on their way to save the day! When I needed help on my phone, computer or even the TV., I reached out and there was never a hesitation! "The Dentinger Twosome" were at my door ready to help. We met at many homes transporting furniture and "things" to our ALB shop. You showed up in rain or shine...even when I did not bring cookies! Your two always brought your smiles. You were a blessing in my life, and in the lives of countless others. I cherish those times together.
BEWARE...I still have your phone and text number...and I know where you live! And yes, cookies will be involved!
Warmly, Christy
From Walt Ingram
I too will miss her. Our time swimming masters created an enduring bond. Diving with you Fred in the Bahamas chasing lobster sealed the deal. We four enjoyed some good times. Take Fred.
From Katie Reding
The Sandy I knew was a kind, optimistic, positive, intelligent, caring, joyful, adventurous, and brave woman, wife and mother. Her smile and laughter were contagious and brightened the world around her. To Fred, David, Diane, and all her family, i send my most sincere condolences and wish you comfort in your grief.
From Teri Carter
My heart goes out to the whole Dentinger family. Sandy could fill a room with her laughter and cheerful spirit. She will continue to fill us with the warm memories of so many great times together over the years and be an inspiration for us as we age and fight our own battles. No one could present a more uplifting attitude all throughout her life journey. She will never be forgotten.
From Kim Mason Hamlet
Sandy left us with a beautiful legacy. Her unwavering positivity, devotion to service and caring for others was an inspiration to everyone that had the privilege to know her. I grew up with David and Diane, and think back on how she always said "you can do it!" CPR training, working as a camp counselor, service projects - countless pieces of my childhood that were supported by Sandy's encouragement. Now as an adult, I work as a community organizer and educator, and find myself telling others "you can do it!" Thank you for everything Sandy. I'll do my best to pay it forward.
From Liane
When we moved to Bellingham in 2004 from living overseas, Sandy reached out to our family, and especially our daughter, who was shy about transitioning to a new school as a Junior. It was not an easy transition. Sandy made Renee and all of us feel welcome. Together we enjoyed watching our daughters play basketball for SQHS. Our first 4th of July in Bellingham was with the beautiful Dentinger Family. We also remember our first Chinese/Lunar New Year Party. You all dressed up and Diane was wearing a beautiful, traditional Japanese outfit, most likely inspired by your generous hosting of exchange students. We are thankful to know Sandy. We are thankful Fred, that you have had a beautiful relationship with Sandy and her spirit lives on through you and your family members.
From Lori Vacek
Dear Fred,
I am very sad to hear that Sandy passed. She was such a bright light - kind, inclusive, brilliant, and so adventurous in a wonderful way. It's been many years since I've seen her, but I was very glad to have known her. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Peace to you and yours, Lori Vacek Engelhardt
From Mark Fisher
So sorry for your loss, Fred. We have great memories through our friendship in Scouting. Her energy, ideas and faithfulness were a gift to us and many other families. She made a big impact.
From Gary Lazarus
I remember many great scooter rides together. She was an inspiration for us all. Lots of infectious laughter and enthusiasm. So sorry for your loss.
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