Sandra Mae Poirier (85) of Richmond, RI died at home on March 14, 2026.

Sandra was born on Nov. 21, 1940, in Esmond, R.I., to Lillian (La Chapelle) and Leon Poirier. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend, and she will be deeply missed. Sandra is survived by her partner and caregiver Candace Oviatt, her son John Reginald and his wife Jennifer Leonard and their three children (Genevieve, Annika and Callum). She is preceded in death by her brother, Bruce.

Sandra graduated from the University of Rhode Island and began her career in a residential treatment center for children in Portland, OR. Upon returning to R.I., Sandra worked for Child Welfare Services (CWS) before seeking a Master's in Social Work from Portland State University. After graduating, she returned to R.I. to oversee case workers in CWS and was admired by those whom she supervised for her devotion to the children and the families served by the agency. Subsequently, she became the Administrator of Mental Health Services for Children and Youth and was responsible for developing a state-wide system for children experiencing mental health issues. Sandra continued her life-long pursuit of assisting others by serving as the Administrator of Licensing for the R.I. Department of Children and Families until her retirement.

Combining her passion for travel with her love of assisting others, Sandra began a second career as a travel agent. She often traveled to exotic destinations in an effort to design and tailor trips better-suited to her clients. Her devotion to others was also evidenced by generous contributions to a multitude of worthwhile organizations.

In addition to her devotion to people, Sandra was an avid animal-lover who doted on cats, dogs, and birds and was thrilled by wildlife sightings close to home or while traveling. Her interests included efforts to preserve natural habitats through activism in groups including RIDEM, The Nature Conservancy, the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association and the Richmond Rural Preservation Land Trust for whom she served as Chairman of the Board. In 2005, WPWA presented her with the Salomon Award in recognition of her efforts to Preserve, Protect, and Conserve Natural Resources. Additionally, Sandra convinced a coalition of three land trusts to establish The Crawley Preserve off Glen Rock Road, West Kingston, R.I. They rewarded her efforts by naming a hiking trail, the Sandy's Brook Trail.

Sandra was a life-long communicant of Christ the King Church, Kingston, R.I. She regularly attended Mass and served as a Eucharistic Minister both at the church and for those unable to attend Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sandra's Memory to Welcome House, 8 North Road, Peace Dale, RI 02883.