Remembering Sandy Lenthall
Sandy Lenthall, in whose living room the groundwork for the establishment of American Pilgrims on the Camino was laid, died on November 30, 2023. She was one of the organizers of the very first Gathering of Pilgrims held in Williamsburg, VA, in 1998, and for many years she remained active as a coordinator with the Southeast Virginia Chapter.
In this special section, pilgrims who also have been integral in contributing to the foundational values and impact of the organization remember and pay tribute to Sandy’s legacy to the pilgrim community.
Read Sandy’s obituary in the VIRGINIA GAZETTE.
View a 2019 interview with Sandy, in which she discussed the early days of American Pilgrims on the Camino:
I first met Sandy in 2007 at the Gathering in Williamsburg. She was the epitome of graciousness and warmth; she made me feel as if I’d been a member of her family all my life. Sandy’s sparkling eyes, huge smile, and warm hugs will live with me forever.
– Daniel De Kay
In 2015, Ellen Eddowes and I began the process to start an American Pilgrims chapter in Southeast Virginia. We were advised to contact Sandy. She became a I first met Sandy in 2007 at the Gathering in Williamsburg. She was the epitome of graciousness and warmth; she made me feel as if I’d been a member of her family all my life. Sandy’s sparkling eyes, huge smile, and warm hugs will live with me forever.– Daniel De Kay mentor, advisor, and “opener of doors.” From Sandy we learned the history of American Pilgrims and we were so honored when she agreed to serve as a co-coordinator for our new chapter.
– Donna Looney
In 1998, Sandy invited me to the first Gathering of Pilgrims. She intuitively knew that returning pilgrims needed to connect with one another. I regret not attending that first gathering, but got to know Sandy. She was one of the kindest, warmest people I have ever met.
– Lynn Talbot
Sandy truly embodied the Camino spirit. I met her in 2009 at the first Gathering I attended, and we stayed connected. Sandy received the Lifetime Service Award at the 2016 Gathering. As then-board chair, I presented the award, and in my remarks, I described Sandy as the “Mother of the Gathering of American Pilgrims.” She initiated the Gatherings, knowing that shell-shocked returning pilgrims needed other pilgrims, that it was important to find someone to share the life-changing experience of pilgrimage.
– Cheryl Grasmoen
We owe a great debt to Sandy Lenthall and our other founders, in whose footsteps we walk today, and we offer our deepest condolences to all whose lives Sandy touched.
– Steve Lytch