Sandra Lynn Hinds, 60, the automation systems manager/assistant director for technical services for the Lapeer District Library died Tuesday.

A lifetime Lapeer resident, Hinds retired from the library in December after a 41-year career. She continued to work for the library in a part-time capacity until her replacement was hired.

"Sandy had been ill, but you'd never know it," said June Mendel, assistant director of public services for the Lapeer District Library. "She kept on going and came to work everyday. She started at the library after high school and worked here 41 years. She started as a clerk and ended up an assistant director for automation."

Mendel said there's no way to describe how much Hinds will be missed, but found words. "She ran our circulation system and was an amazing person. She did ordering and collections. She had her fingers in a lot," Mendel said.

Hinds was born Feb. 8, 1948 in Pontiac to Titus and Sylvie (Davis) Brown. She graduated from the Dryden High School Class of 1966 and married Dayton Hinds II Aug. 6, 1966 at the Pilgrim Congregational Church in Metamora.

Kate Pohjola, director of the Lapeer District Library, said Hinds started her career 41 years ago as a bookmobile driver/clerk and saw the district through its automation process. "She was the best," Pohjola said. "Sandy was one of those people who never had a bad word to say about anyone. She was gentle and kind and had been here longer than anyone else - 41 years. She knew the library frontward and backwards. She was the go to person and our expert on automation."

Pohjola said Hinds excelled at working with people and was more than willing to work with patrons. What Hinds knew about the library she learned on the job and from her experience.

"I think she'd be embarrassed to know we were talking about her in today's paper," Pohjola said.

Hinds was a member of the Hunters Creek Community Church who enjoyed shopping, going out to dinner, watching deer outside her window, and especially spending time with her grandchildren.

Hinds survived by her daughter Heather (Sean) Avery of Macomb Township; her grandchildren Dayton Harmon, Erik Harmon, and Laura Harmon; step-grandchildren: Michael, Nicole, and Andrew; siblings: Titus Brown of Metamora, John (Donna) Brown of Florida, Rebecca (Dale) Petibone of Metamora, and David (Ruth Ann) Brown. She was preceded in death by her husband Dayton Hinds II, her parents Titus and Sylvia Brown, two infant siblings, and her sister-in-law Erlene Brown.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Muir Brothers Funeral Home in Lapeer. Visitation is 4-8 p.m. today (Friday). Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday and will conducted by the Rev. Joel Caminiti. Burial will be in the Metamora Cemetery.

The family has designated that memorials be made to the Lapeer District Library or the Breast Cancer Foundation. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Jennifer Decker can be reached at 664-0811, Ext. 8125 or jennifer.decker@lapeergroup.com.