Sandra Gail Hall's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Sandra Gail (Berlow) Hall
Sandra Gail, age 85, of Gulfport, Florida, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2026, with her loving daughter Jenny and her dear friend Mary by her side.
Born on February 9, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan, Sandy was the beloved daughter of Edith Berlow and Carl Chairfetz. She lived a remarkable life defined by curiosity, courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to others. Known for her love of history, travel, books, and people, Sandy possessed a rare gift for making everyone she met feel valued and heard. She stood tall and proud in who she was, was political and bold, and fiercely championed those who struggled to find their own voice, encouraging them to embrace their worth and stand confidently in their truth.
Teaching was not simply Sandy’s profession—it was her calling. Throughout her life, she inspired countless students of all ages with her wisdom, patience, and belief in their potential. Her passion for education took her across the world and shaped the lives of many. Raised in the Jewish faith, she learned Hebrew as a young woman. After earning her teaching degrees, Sandy embarked on one of her many adventures, one that would define her life, moving with her husband and children to Baghdad, Iraq. There, she served as both a teacher and principal at an American school and, true to her lifelong love of learning, learned Arabic while immersing herself in the culture and community around her.
Upon returning to California, she began what would be her long teaching career at a high school in East Side San Jose, California where she embraced the rich diversity of her community, learning Spanish so she could better connect with and serve her students and their families.
Following her distinguished career in education, she later moved to Boston, Massachusetts and began a second career in Healthcare Administration at the Beth Israel Hospital, Boston where fate led her to the love of her life, Margaret “Peggy” Gill. Together, Sandy and Peggy became one of the first same-sex couples legally married in Massachusetts—a milestone they celebrated with pride, joy, and gratitude.
After retiring, she returned to California and devoted herself to homeschooling her grandson Zachary during his early years. She did far more than teach him academically; she instilled in him kindness, patience, resilience, and the confidence to advocate for himself and others. These lessons became part of her enduring legacy.
Her journey did not end there. Sandy and Peggy in search of a community to call home, settled in Gulfport, Florida, where they built a beautiful life together filled with friendship, laughter, love and serving in their community.
Sandy was a beloved and familiar presence throughout the Gulfport community. She was known for her trademark purple hair, vibrant and colorful fashion, perfectly coordinated shoes, bold necklaces, and matching handbags. Just like her wardrobe, her life was colorful, vibrant, and unforgettable. She embraced every chapter of her journey with enthusiasm and gratitude, often saying, “I have had a great life,” a sentiment that perfectly reflected her optimistic spirit and appreciation for all life had given her.
She taught so many to be curious, courageous, compassionate, and unapologetically themselves. Her vibrant spirit, generous heart, and boundless love will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
She is survived by her sister, Maia Berlow; her children, Kam Khuzaie and his wife Connie, Layla Hansen and her wife Robin Oakey, Jenny D'Isola and her husband Brendan Donohue, and Nadia Khuzaie; her cherished grandchildren: Holly, Kyle, Kameron, Christian, Reese, Haley, Kevin, Zachary, U.S. Army Major Arianna D’Isola, and David D’Isola. She also leaves behind two beloved great-grandchildren, Owen and Dax; her nieces and nephews Pamela, James and Nikki; her great-nieces and great-nephews Christian, Benjamin, Mackenzie, Haley, Austin, Paisley, and Bella. Finally, she leaves behind her adored, faithful and fluffy five-pound companion, Bailey.
Sandy was preceded in death by her beloved wife, Peggy Gill, and her brothers, Richard and Ronny Berlow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Gulfport Senior Center or the Gulfport Library Circle of Friends in her honor.
With love and remembrance, The Family
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