Sandra Kaye Duncan

Sandra Kaye Duncan (Donant), age 74, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2026. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend.

Sandy was born on September 19, 1951, in North Canton, Ohio to Barbara and Edward Donant. She attended Hoover High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science and subsequently a Masters in Latin at the University of Akron. After college she became a teacher, first in Brunswick, then for Akron Public Schools, including Central Hower, Buchtel, Firestone, and Akron Early College.

Sandy spent most of her teaching career as an enthusiastic and vivacious English teacher to high school students. Though her true love was teaching Latin, she was the kind of teacher who wore funny hats to keep her students' attention, dressed up to match her curriculum, and brought her stories alive through her own passion and interest. She cared deeply for all her students, and she worked hard to help them to be motivated to succeed.

While Sandy was a champion of public school education, she was also a committed member of the Spring Garden Waldorf School community, where her daughter went to school for 9 years and now teaches. Sandy served on Parent Council and the Board at SGWS for many years, helping to organize the annual auction and actively helping to bring their purchased building in Copley to functionality. Since her retirement, she has continued to quietly donate to the school in various ways.

Sandy was an avid collector throughout her life, including Boyd's Bears and Longaberger baskets. She was a painter, a piano player, and she was often heard singing along to Oldies music. Sandy loved doing crafts, as well as having a passion for all things Disney. Those who knew her will remember a quick witted woman who loved to laugh, take trips (mostly to Disney), read mystery novels, and a truly kind friend.

Above all else, Sandra loved her daughter and granddaughters. She was the proud mother of Alyssa Humes and grandmother of Claire Humes and Rose Humes. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Thomas Humes, her granddaughters, her beloved sister Patricia Gill (Joe) and brother Michael, her ex-husband John Duncan, and countless cherished friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.

The family is deeply grateful to all of Sandy's caregivers that brought comfort to her in her final days.

Though she will be greatly missed, her impact and love will be felt through the countless lives she touched.

May she rest in peace. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Spring Garden Waldorf School in Sandra Duncan's name.

We will receive family and friends on Saturday Sept. 26, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. for a Celebration of Life at Spring Garden Waldorf School in Copley. Beverages and food will be provided as we honor the life of Sandy.