Sandra Jeanne Ewald: Feb. 8, 1948-March 27, 2023

Sandra Jeanne Ewald, known to all as Sandy, was born on February 8, 1948, in Seguin, Texas, to Johnnie H. and Harriet V. Ewald. She passed from this life on March 27, 2023.

Sandy is survived by Wayne Brewer, her loving husband of 33 years; brother and sister- in-law John D. and Julie Ewald; niece Jennifer and husband Matthew Green; nephew John Ewald and wife Sarah Stasny; stepdaughter Laura Davis and husband David Davis; stepson Matthew Brewer and wife Shell Brewer; and a host of cousins. In addition to her immediate family, an extended family of her birdwatching friends, former colleagues, and students will remember her with gratitude and fondness.

Sandy earned a Bachelor of Arts (1970) and a Ph.D. (1976) at The University of Texas at Austin. She conducted her post-graduate work at the California Institute of Technology, where she studied under Dr. Leroy Hood, a world-renowned scientist in the fields of molecular biotechnology and genomics. Sandy joined the faculty of the Department of Microbiology at Montana State University in 1979, and later held a faculty position as both a professor and researcher in the Department of Pathobiology at Auburn University from 1989 through 2008. Upon her retirement, she was granted Professor Emerita status at Auburn. Among her academic achievements, she published over 90 scientific publications in peer reviewed journals and her work has been cited by other researchers over 3000 times.  She was recognized as an outstanding scientist by researchers around the world.

Sandy loved being in the mountains of Montana and Colorado – hiking, birdwatching, and photographing wildlife. She was an accomplished quilter, as well.

Sandy’s life will be celebrated by those who loved and cherished her at a location and date to be determined.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Audubon Society.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Kerrville Funeral Home (830) 895-5111.