Obituary of Sandra Kissam

Sandra Kissam, age 90, of the town of Newburgh passed away on October 23, 2025. She resided in the Hudson Valley nearly all her life and was an active protector of its resources. Sandra was born in Bronx, NY; the daughter of Nettie and John Fischer, and grew up in Woodstock. Sandra majored in drama at Syracuse University and Boston University, and was an actress in NYC. She then attained degrees in speech therapy and special education at City College and SUNY New Paltz, and was a special education teacher for Ulster BOCES. Sandra is survived by daughters Cybele Kehr and Mary Alice Lulves (James); grandchildren Jakob Kehr, Seth Kehr, Melanie Lulves, and James Lulves (Emily), and great grandson Alexander Lulves; as well as her brother Michael Fischer. She was predeceased by her husband Benjamin Kissam and son-in-law Andrew Kehr. Sandra was always active in organizations to benefit the greater community even when opposed. These included civil rights, her teachers' union, healthcare rights for underserved, wildlife preservation, and numerous environmental organizations. In 1987 Sandra formed the organization SPARC (Stewart Park and Reserve Coalition) with her husband Ben. SPARC strived to preserve the open land surrounding Stewart Airport and collaborated with many other local and regional organizations towards that goal. In 2005 they successfully had 6,700 acres formally declared protected as Stewart State Forest. Sandra was also active against the Danskammer power plant, and worked with the Orange County RAPP (Residents Against Pilgrim Pipeline). Arrangements are being handled by Hudson Valley Funeral Home. On November 21, 2025 burial will be at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Newburgh at 10:00, followed by a memorial at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Rock Tavern at 11:15. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: SPARC, Box 90, Blooming Grove, NY. 10914