Gladys Sandlin Obituary

Gladys Sandlin
04/21/1938 - 05/01/2025
It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of Gladys Sandlin, she was embraced by her son Fred in Arizona where she lived.
She is survived by her son Fred Sandlin, her granddaughter Isobel Erickson Sandlin and her grandson Mathew Louis Sandlin.
Born in Santiago, Chile, educated by the Carmelites and Jesuits Gladys always held her religious beliefs close to her heart and lived by those values.
In 1957 she came to San Francisco where she began her life's vocation/career in advocacy, Social Work and Administration.
She was founding member and chair of the SF Perinatal Forum, the Program Coordinator for the Educational Unit of the American Cancer Society. Served as Chair of the American Heart Association, Chair of the Mission Neighborhood Centers. Chair of the SF Community Clinic Consortium and SF and San Mateo American Lung Association. Represented the Latino community at the Minority Effectiveness Research of UCSF, an active member of the Clinical Practice and Elderly Issues of the National Association of Community Health Centers. Appointed by then Mayor Dianne Feinstein as Chair of the SF Commission of the Status of Women. Became Executive Director of the Mission Neighborhood Health Center.
Gladys left an honorable legacy of dedicated service to the Latino community providing quality, competent, comprehensive health care for the most vulnerable "always with dignity and respect". She was known as "La Madrina de la Misión". Her impact was felt both locally and nationally through her strength, tenacity, compassion and resilience. Gladys innately knew what was essential to the lives of Latinos and fought tirelessly to educate decision makers ultimately achieving positive change. She worked closely with Senator Ted Kennedy, Senator Dianne Feinstein, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelossi, Senator Barbara Boxer among others to continue, enhance and expand federal, state and local funding to address unmet needs and advocate for "Las familias de la comunidad".
She received many accolades from officials at all government levels including "Women of The Year" national award for community service. Our prayers and love are with her family and friends and the community she championed.
A memorial mass will be held on Saturday August 9 at 2:00 pm at St. Charles Church at 713 South Van Ness Street, San Francisco. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity near and dear to Glady's heart "La Casa de las Madres", San Francisco.
She is sorely missed, rest in Peace Gladys.