John Kerry: “I extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Sandy Feldman at her untimely passing. We have lost a…”

“I extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Sandy Feldman at her untimely passing. We have lost a dedicated educator, a proud labor leader, a committed reformer, and someone my wife Teresa, and I were so proud to have as a friend in our lives. From her early days as a civil rights advocate, Sandy had an unshakeable sense of justice and fairness. Sandy did not just talk about helping teachers and their students--she actually did it. While her career spanned more than four decades, Sandy's commitment grew out of her early work in the civil rights movement. An advocate for civil rights and social justice, she was an activist in the Freedom Rides and the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. It was her firsthand knowledge of the power of an excellent teacher that led Sandy to a lifetime of activism. Sandy understood the importance of quality public education and the wealth of opportunities it can unleash for every student, regardless of who they are or where they're from. ``Created my future,'' that is what Sandy always said about growing up in Brooklyn and the public schools and libraries she spent her childhood in. Sandy's commitment to education was fueled by her childhood experiences and her dedication to bettering the lives of students and teachers. Beginning as a second grade teacher, Sandy quickly became a union activist when she led the teachers at her elementary school to organize.…”