Sandra Lee Guida

Sandra Lee Guida, born on September 27, 1946, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2024, at the age of 78. Born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Wesley and Patricia (Burley) Miller. Sandy attended St. Paul Bible College, where she met her husband, Daniel Paul Guida. They married on February 8, 1969, in Lincoln, Nebraska, and shared a lifelong partnership rooted in love, family, and community. Sandy went on to earn her degree from the University of Nebraska and a master’s degree in Special Education from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Together, Sandy and Dan dedicated their lives to education, with Sandy serving as a compassionate Special Education teacher who helped countless students reach their potential.

Music was central to Sandy’s life. A gifted pianist, she shared her love for music with everyone around her. For many years, she directed the choir at First Covenant Church, filling the sanctuary with joy and inspiration. Known for her kindness and devotion to family, Sandy took great care to make each moment and occasion meaningful. Her family holds fond memories of time spent camping, enjoying picnics, sewing, cooking, and cross-country skiing together. Music always filled their home, and her family will always remember her through the melodies that were so dear to her. When giving gifts and cards, Sandy ensured each was a thoughtful gesture from the heart.

Sandy and Dan were also deeply committed to their community, including co-founding the Red Wing chapter of PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) to foster inclusivity and support.

Preceded in death by her husband Dan, parents, Dan’s parents Donald and Helen Guida and her beloved sisters-in-law Betty and Karen. Sandy is survived by her children, Eric Guida (Olympia, WA) and Emily Foos (Red Wing, MN); her cherished granddaughter, Gabrielle Foos (St. Paul, MN); her brother, Mike Miller (Sandy) (Lincoln, NE); her sister, Debbie Venza (JR) (Atlanta, GA); sisters-in-law Mavis Shriver (Ron) and Darla Madsen (Curt), brothers-in-law David Guida (Kathy) and Al Carson (Linda) and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate her legacy of love, music, and community. A visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18, 2024 at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel. Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 at United Lutheran Church with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Red Wing Arts, an organization close to Sandy’s heart. Red Wing Arts, where Dan served as Executive Director before his passing and where her daughter Emily now leads, is dedicated to enriching lives through shared art experiences. Contributions can be made online through their website, or for more information, please contact Red Wing Arts at 651-388-7569 or via email at info@redwingarts.org.

Sandy’s legacy of compassion, music, and advocacy will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who knew her.