Lover of family, the arts, bridge, and book clubs, Alexandra “Sandy” Katz died August 10th in Newport News, Virginia.
Sandy grew up in Philadelphia, surrounded by the music of her father’s world-renowned string quartet. She was a performer in her own right, a once-serious ballerina who shifted into acting before earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree in theatre. She met Air Force Lieutenant Milton Katz (of blessed memory) during graduate school and spent 20 years as a military wife before he retired. The highs and lows of this time—from international travel and lifelong friendships to the pain of a husband away at war—shaped Sandy deeply.
Sandy was a gifted high school English, speech, and drama teacher whose passions transformed hundreds of students’ lives. She led thespian acting troops at Poquoson High School in Virginia and overseas in Germany while her husband served in the military. Many of her students went on to lead theater programs of their own, a testament to her lasting influence. Sandy cared deeply, always choosing the last row over the spotlight, never taking a bow so her students could have their moment to shine.
Ask Sandy about her family and she truly lit up. In fact, you never had to ask—the names of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were always on her lips. Sandy used to burst with pride for her children, Jordana K. Treadwell (Scott Jacobs) Deborah K. Rycus (Jeremy Rycus); her grandchildren, Brandon Ty Treadwell (Camron Treadwell), Abby Rebecca Treadwell, Carson Matthew Treadwell, Max Mitchell Rycus, Leo Charles Rycus; and her great-grandchildren, Jack Milton Treadwell, June Elizabeth Treadwell, Eloise Jo Treadwell.
It’s no wonder Sandy could quick-draw a mini photo album from her holster (handbag) in seconds.
Donations in her honor will go to build new theatre programs in under-resourced communities nationwide here https://giving.classy.org/campaign/716199/donate.
A memorial service in Sandy’s honor will be held August 19, 2025 at Rodef Sholom Temple, 401 City Center Blvd., Newport News, VA 23606. You can follow the service via Zoom here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/875736081?pwd=bk5qQy85VnBoL01YR1FGTHZ2N1BhQT09
Meeting ID: 875 736 081
Passcode: 417581
Interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
