In memoriam: Rochelle Sandeen, 1951-2009

Rochelle Y. Penn Rasmussen-Sandeen was born on July 23, 1951.

Rocky passed away peacefully on April 9, 2009, surrounded by loved ones after a recent diagnosis of liver cancer.

She lived a life full of passion for learning and helping others and had a deep connection to her Native American roots with the Makah and Quileute tribes. She served as president of the Indigenous Studies Foundation/Honor Day.

Rochelle both worked at Western and was a student. She was a couple of courses shy of receiving her bachelor’s degree in communications, and she worked as an office assistant in the Biology Department. She also immersed herself in Native-American activities, powwows and community work.

She is survived by her father, Donald Rasmussen; her four sisters, Kim, Bernadette, Dawn Robin and Adrienne; her son Aaron Sandeen; her daughter Leah Eister-Hargrave; and two grandchildren, Ruby and Wyatt Eister-Hargrave. A memorial service to celebrate her life was held April on 18 at Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center at Discovery Park in Seattle.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to Rochelle Penn Rasmussen-Sandeen Indian Youth Education Grant at ISF/Rochelle Acct #220579 S1.1 P.O. Box 9750 Bellingham, WA 98227-9750.

Photo courtesy of Jack Storms