Sandra Claire Foushée, mother, grandmother, poet, and artist passed away in Brunswick, Maine after a brief illness on February 2, 2019 at the age of 81. She was born on February 8, 1937 in Danville, Illinois to Nelson Smith and Helen Baird Smith. 

Sandra graduated from the University of Missouri with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and received a masters’ degree in English from the St. Louis University. Her poems have been published in Ploughshares, Prairie Schooner, Rosebud, West Wind Review, The Seattle Review, the eleventh muse, The Southern Poetry Review, and Runes. Sandra received a Walden Fellowship from the Northwest Writing institute, has been a MacDowell Colony Fellow, and was an associate of the Rocky Mountain Women’s Institute. In 2010 she won the William Stafford Poetry Award from Rosebud and a Merit Award in Poetry from Atlanta Review. 

An avid teacher, Sandra shared her passion for creative writing, literature, and Native American literature at Tillamook Bay Community College as well as Clatsop Community College on the Oregon Coast. She conducted writing workshops for over 30 years and inspired numerous writers and poets.  

Each day was an adventure and full of wonder for Sandra. She loved to write, dance, sing, and paint. Sandra lived life on her own terms, always wanting to be near the ocean. She made friends easily and approached people with joy, warmth, and a smile.  

Sandra is survived by her son Eric Foushée and his wife Nancy Eckel Foushée; grandchildren: Connor, Martha, Lane, and Asher; former spouse Richard Foushée; and her beloved cat Sir Guy. She is predeceased by her partner of 30 years Alwyn Scott Turner.  

An open house celebration of her life will be held Thursday, February 28 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at People Plus in Brunswick, ME. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to People Plus:  

People Plus
35 Union St.
Brunswick, ME 04011