Karen Kristine Sandstrom Muir died August 17, 2023, at the age of 74 (1949-2023), in Ludington MI on a visit to family in Ludington MI with her husband, the Rev. Frederick Muir, minister emeritus of the UU Church of Annapolis.

She was born Jan. 31, 1949, the daughter of Maj. Donald Gustave Sandstrom, a career Army officer, and Kaethe Bonnekamp Sandstrom, in Staten Island NY. She lived in Germany for a brief period, then moved to Indianapolis where her father taught at Fort Benjamin Harrison. “When she entered kindergarten, she only spoke German,” the Rev. Muir said.

After graduating from high school, she attended Butler University, both in Indianapolis IN, on a debate scholarship, where in 1970 she earned her B.A. in history and social studies, then obtained an M.A. there.

She taught Social Studies for 40 years, in New York City, Sanford ME, then in Odenton MD, when she and Fred moved to Annapolis. He served as minister there for 34 years. She was active in Maryland Democratic politics. She was a fierce advocate of public education, world traveler, avid reader, movie lover, devoted Orioles baseball fan, and dessert enthusiast (most notably cookie dough).

“It was very important to her to have a safe teaching environment. She was very good working with middle school students. She looked at them as people and not as pains,” said colleague and friend Meg Kauder. To bring the outside world into her classroom, Ms. Muir embraced the World Wise Schools program, where students and teachers corresponded with Peace Corps volunteers in the Central African Republic.

Surviving are her husband Fred, a son Andrew Sandstorm Muir, daughter Kristina Muir, two sisters, Kathe Donna Sandstorm and Karalyn Sandstrom Young. A memorial service was held September 24, 2023, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis.