Sandra (Sandy) Smith, 49, died unexpectedly on Sunday, October 3, 2010 in Tallahassee, Florida. A native of Florida, Sandy grew up in Miami and lived in Tallahassee for most of her life. She received a master's degree from Florida State University and a bachelor's degree from the University of Florida. She was employed with the State of Florida for more than 20 years, most recently with the Agency for Health Care Administration. Sandy was a beautiful friend to many people. She played soccer, volunteered at homeless shelters, cared for both of her sick and dying parents, tended to strangers in need and found homes for abandoned cats. She loved her family and friends without reservation. She had an excellent since of humor and was known for her generosity, gentle spirit and kindness.Always an advocate for social justice, Sandy was a member of the American Civil Liberties Union and supported Amnesty International, the Innocence Project and the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty. An avid reader, she enjoyed music, art museums, cultural events and historical sites. Sandy traveled extensively in the United States and abroad and valued these experiences. She was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tallahassee and found great comfort in her spiritual community.Sandy is survived by her stepmother, Mary Ellen Smith of Meriden, CT; brothers Christopher Smith and Kaiya Sylvana of CT; a large family of four generations and many friends who will continue to love the memories that they shared with her.A memorial service will take place at 3 p.m. Sunday (Oct. 10) at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tallahassee, 2810 Meridian Road, Tallahassee, Florida.Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Tallahassee Animal Shelter Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 13858, Tallahassee, FL 32317.