Dr. Sandra Foote Reed, beloved Milford oncologist, passed away on March 5, 2025, after a prolonged illness. Reed was 79 at the time of her death.
Born March 31, 1945, in Oxnard, California to the late Harlan and Marjorie Foote, Foote spent her childhood as the daughter of a Navy pilot, moving often. She excelled in academics, earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degree from Massachusetts Institution of Technology. She worked briefly as an engineer before attending medical school at the University of Virginia, completing her residency and training in internal medicine there. She also served as chief resident.
After leaving the University of Virginia, Foote trained as a fellow at the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, serving on the staff of Georgetown Medical Center. In 1981, Foote moved to Milford with her husband, Dr. Theodore Reed, establishing the first board-certified medical oncology practice in Southern Delaware.
Foote was widely respected for her encyclopedic knowledge, diagnostic acumen and compassion for her patients. She served in many leadership roles at Milford Memorial Hospital and, subsequently, Bayhealth Medical Center. Families under her care adored her and she was also revered by her staff and fellow physicians. She set a high standard for herself and expected the same of others.
Foote was a trailblazer outside of th hospital as well. In 1984, she fought enforcement of a non-compete clause with a prior employer, arguing she was uniquely qualified to provide the care her cancer patients needed. She won her case which was widely cited in Delaware as well as other areas in legislation preventing non-compete clauses.
A life-long learner, Foote would read books in a day and supported the Milford Public Library after her retirement. She studied yoga, T-Touch and many other topics. Foote was also a long-time member of Christ Episcopal Church. An accomplished knitter and quilter, Foote loved to travel, often accompanying her husband in his role as Director of the National Zoo in Washington DC. She adored dogs almost as much as she did medicine and some of her closest friends were a tightly knit group of women dog lovers she met at Camp Dances with Dogs in New Jersey.
“Sandy and I met because of our love for dogs. I was drawn to her calm presence, her wit, the care she gave her patients, and her never-ending need to learn,” Jill Petro commented. “We vacationed together with our dogs from the Outer Banks to the Adirondacks and out to Athens, Ohio. Over the last years, we discovered we both enjoy college basketball. I will especially miss spending March Madness together and watching two games simultaneously on different TVs while our dogs play together. I’m praying for peace and comfort for all who are grieving the loss of this wonderful woman.”
Kim Rigby commented that it was an incredible privilege to spend time with Foote and enjoy the many facets of her personality.
“She helped save my life,” Janet Foskey said. “Such a compassionate doctor and person. It was a privilege to have her as my doctor and know her. So sad. She will be missed by many.”
Suzanne Clothier mentioned the many she helped.
“Knowing all the lives she touched and how many loved her, I can only imagine the crowd that greeted her as she crossed over,” Clothier said. “Amazing woman, amazing life. My sympathy to her family and friends who have lost a bright star.”
Foote was preceded in death by her parents and her loving husband, Ted. She is survived by her stepson, Dr. Mark Reed and his wife, Carol, her dogs, Shanti and Lucas, as well as many close friends and loving caregivers. A memorial service was held on Tuesday, March 18 at Christ Episcopal Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to St. Francis Service Dogs, PO Box 19538, Roanoke, VA. 24019 or the Friends of the Milford Library, 11 SE Front Street, Milford DE 19963.
