Want to help? Please contribute here to funeral expenses and support of Sandie’s children

It is with a heavy heart that we express our deepest condolences to John Mader, President of Engineers and Scientists of California (ESC) Local 20, IFPTE, who unexpectedly lost his wife, Sandie, earlier this month.

Sandie had a steadfast commitment to supporting the values and principles of unionism and the members of ESC Local 20, both in her own right and through her unwavering support of John in his role as President.  Through the years, she marched and rallied with many of us and was always a welcomed, positive energy at ESC Local 20 and IFPTE functions. Her spirit, charisma, kind heart, and big smile will be missed. 

President Mader, who works as an Electric Distribution Engineer at PG&E in the Sacramento area, has asked for personal privacy in this extremely difficult time but welcomes any support that you can give for Sandie’s children. 

Sandie is survived by four beautiful children: Timothy “Alex” McCurdy, Sarah McCurdy, Matthew “Matty” McCurdy, and Evelyn “Evy” McCurdy. Sandie was also a loving step-mother to her two step-children with John, Tobias and Rudy Mader.

As a teacher, Sandie touched countless other children’s lives. Her students often had no one left who cared about their well-being, except Sandie. She fought tirelessly to support their success, despite the many obstacles they faced, and inspired them to reach higher and achieve more.

We know many of you know and have worked with John personally– he has negotiated your contract,  supported you in your stewarding duties or on a union committee, or held meetings in your worksite– and you may want to reach out to help John at this time. Here are some things you can do:  

  • A GoFundMe has been set up to assist with funeral expenses and ongoing support for Sandie’s four children. Please contribute generously what you can.
  • A vacation sale is being held for PG&E members. You can access the vacation sale in PG&E@WorkForMe through “About Me > My Time > My Vacation Sale.” 
  • To send your thoughts or support, or a memory you may have of Sandie, please send mail to the Union Hall (810 Clay Street, Oakland CA 94607) or write a comment on the GoFundMe page.  

We call each other brothers and sisters in our Union family and the Labor Movement, and it is times like these that those words are put to the test. Thank you for your support, now and always.