SANDRA LEE MYERS-KISTLER

BAR HARBOR – Sandra Lee Myers-Kistler, 74, died Feb. 4, 2009, at Mount Desert Island Hospital. She was born Oct. 30, 1934, in Huntingburg, Ind., the daughter of Russell Oscar and Nelda Louise (Bartelt) Myers. Sandi had many happy childhood memories. Her family and many childhood friends remained a strong source of comfort and love in her life. Her interests in and love of reading, writing stories, singing in church and community choirs, and playing the piano began in Huntingburg, Ind., as a small child and continued throughout her adult life. Sandi graduated from Indiana State Teachers College, Terre Haute, Ind., and received a Bachelor of Science in music and education and a Master of Arts in communications. Her pursuit of education did not end there. She was an active member of Acadia Senior College and enjoyed and participated in many adult courses. Sandi’s career pursuits were many and varied. She worked as a reservationist for Eastern Air Lines, a copywriter with Touch of Class Catalogue and as a radio copywriter for a small station in Anchorage, Alaska. The highlights of her career included the three and a half years that she spent with a PBS station in Norfolk, Va., her short career as a cabaret pianist, playing at private receptions at Langley Air Force Base and Fort Monroe Officer’s Club, and the eight years she performed with an auditioned community chorus in Hampton Roads, Va. Sandi moved to Mount Desert Island in 1997. She was drawn to the beauty of Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park. She felt connected to and at peace on the island. Her interest in understanding and in documenting American Indian culture and history led her to many volunteer activities at the Abbe Museum. This interest was rooted in the deep love that she had for her two adopted children, John Russell Kistler and Stephanie Olsen, each of whom are part Native American. Sandi often spoke of her children and grandchildren with kindness and love. Her regret was that her illness kept her from visiting them as often as she would have liked. To all who knew her, she will be remembered as a strong, independent, resilient and talented lady. She had a tremendous spirit, a sharp wit, a keen intellect and a wonderful sense of humor. Her strong faith in God began in her loving childhood home, was nurtured in the churches that she attended throughout her life and remained a strong source of comfort through her illness and in her many life experiences. She wrote in her journal that she knew that she was no longer in the “driver’s seat” and more importantly, that she was not alone. Sandi had been a member of St. Mary Episcopal Church, Northeast Harbor, where she was active in the church community, serving on the altar guild and ECW. After Sandi moved to Bar Harbor she became an active member of Bar Harbor Congregational Church singing in the choir. She is survived by her son, John R. Kistler and wife, Monica, of Virginia Beach, Va.; her daughter, Stephanie L. Olsen and her husband, Dennis, of Williamsburg, Va.; three grandchildren, Autumn Kistler, Austin Olsen and Brittany Olsen; and a stepgrandson, Josh Hart. Sandi is also survived by many loving friends who will miss her dearly. A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at Bar Harbor Congregational Church with the Rev. Dr. Sandra Reed officiating. Contributions in Sandi’s memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 48 Eden St., Bar Harbor. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.