Sandra McElman Hatfield, 64, died in Tucson, Arizona, on the evening of Saturday, May 2, 2015. A native of Chelmsford, Massachusetts, she had moved to Tucson in 2010 and worked for the University of Arizona after a 17-year career in medical research at Boston University. She graduated from Lexington High School and Adelphi University.

Known for an active life that included bicycling, rowing, and swimming, she cultivated many friendships. There is no indication that her death was the result of a criminal act, and no arrests or suspects are reported. A memorial service was held in Westford, Massachusetts; she is survived by her husband, two sons, a sister, and a brother.