In Memoriam - Sandra Oakley former teacher at Pregny

The Alumni Office is sad to share the news of the passing of Sandra Oakley who taught at Pregny from 1971 until 2011. Isla Gordon, School & Campus Principal, Campus des Nations and Director General interim wrote the text below in memory of Sandra.

"It is with great sadness that I share with you the passing of Sandra Oakley. Sandra was a much-loved and longstanding member of the Pregny and wider Ecolint community, and her loss will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with her. Her warmth, generosity, and unwavering commitment to children and colleagues alike left a lasting mark on our school and Foundation. 

Sandra Oakley came to Pregny from Derby, UK by way of Budapest, Hungary. Sandra had worked at the British Embassy School in Budapest from 1973 to 1976 before arriving at the International School of Geneva where she would work until her retirement in 2011.  

In addition to teaching Year 3 for the bulk of her time at Pregny, and finishing the last six years of her career in Year 2, Sandra supported staff across the Foundation through her work with the Staff Association, and specifically at Pregny as a Vice Principal.  

Sandra sang in the Foundation Choir, and volunteered with the Cancer Support Switzerland organization, formerly the English-Speaking Cancer Association. As she had greatly benefited from their support in her own bout with cancer in the 1990s, she then continued with the society by volunteering and supporting others in their fights.  

Her contributions to Ecolint and Pregny continued after her retirement. She would come into school and listen to children read, encouraging them in their growing literacy. Sandra was also appointed by the Staff Association to the Governing Board. She completed a three-year term and continued to be a stalwart presence at school events.  

Sandra’s retirement years were marked by travel. Her curiosity and interest in others were borne out by the many cruises, trips and events she took. Covid slowed everyone down, but as soon as it was safe, Sandra picked up the traveling again, mostly visiting beautiful places in Europe.  

While poor health had slowed her down this past winter and spring, her death was still unexpected. Such a constant presence in school and community, losing Sandra will have an enduring impact. In remembering her, we keep her with us for a little while longer.  

If you would like to share a message of condolence or remembrance, please do so using this link. 

Sandra gave so much to our community over so many years. We remember with gratitude the care she showed, the lives she touched, and the spirit she brought to our school.  

Kind regards, 

Isla Gordon

Director General interim  

School & Campus Principal, Campus des Nations"