Sandra lee Murphy, the daughter of James and Betty (Jonason) Gottwalt, was born on August 25, 1945, in Minneapolis, MN. She grew up in Minneapolis and graduated from Columbia Heights High School in 1962. While working at Zales Jewelry Store, Sandy met the love of her life, Ronald Murphy. They were united in marriage on January 19, 1963, in Minneapolis, and three children were born to this union, Michael, Michelle, and Christine. Sandy and her family lived in numerous places around the United States before settling in Alexandria in 1974. Sandy stayed at home and cared for her children during their school years and then she worked as a home health aide. Sandy also ran Tannenbaum Christmas Stores for many years.