Born in Ft. Riley, Kansas, to Rebecca and William Reggans, Sandra Hahn — or Miss Sandra as she is universally known in our office — had been a Street Roots vendor since November 2014. A Portland resident for over 40 years, Miss Sandra was well known for her kindness, her care for others, and her passion for community. Before becoming a Street Roots vendor, Miss Sandra pursued multiple careers: as a certified nursing assistant who owned her own caregiving business; as a singer and as a musician who played the keyboard, flute, clarinet and guitar; and as a ballerina.
Since 2018, Miss Sandra was an accredited vendor at the Portland State University Farmer’s Market, selling Street Roots newspapers from a table at a well-known spot, beloved to her regular customers.
“I love that my customers acknowledge who I am,” Miss Sandra said, when asked about this work. “I love talking with my customers. Some of them are so funny. Human connection is always so important, and especially when you get to be my age.”
Her regular customers made a point of seeking her out to buy the latest editions for many years.
“She is so kind and so human, and I feel like we have a relationship,” said Marian McNamara, one of her loyal customers. In 2018, Miss Sandra was named Vendor of the Year in recognition of her years of work building community and mentoring other vendors. In 2020, she joined the Street Roots board of directors, serving as an important connection between the vendor community and the rest of the board. Her board service years saw some of the most difficult challenges and the most inspiring growth for our organization: the COVID-19 pandemic, the launch of Portland Street Response, and the move to the new building location on Northwest 3rd Avenue and Burnside Street.
Her fellow board member Stephen Gomez had this to say about Miss Sandra: “I first met Sandra four years ago as a board cohort and vendor representative. Any time Sandra came to buy papers in the office she lit up the room with her infectious smile and positive energy.
“I was able to spend time with Sandra in her last few months as her health was failing her. Every time I went to her apartment — every time — the first thing she said was, ‘How are things at Street Roots?’
“She loved the Street Roots community — the vendors, the staff, and most of all, her customers who bought the paper from her for years at the Saturday Portland Farmer’s Market.
“Sandra was loved by all who met her and she will always be in our memory.”
Her niece, Ocia Reggans, wrote the following in memory of Miss Sandra:
She lived a colorful life brimming with love, kindness, and joy.
Her presence touched countless hearts and she will be profoundly missed.
Her spirit will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.
May she rest in peace.
Miss Sandra is survived by her son, Anthony Rogers (also a former Street Roots vendor), her niece Ocia Reggans, her brother Henry Reggans and six additional nieces and nephews.
Street Roots is an award-winning weekly publication focusing on economic, environmental and social justice issues. The newspaper is sold in Portland, Oregon, by people experiencing homelessness and/or extreme poverty as means of earning an income with dignity. Street Roots newspaper operates independently of Street Roots advocacy and is a part of the Street Roots organization. Learn more about Street Roots. Support your community newspaper by making a one-time or recurring gift today.
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This article appears in January 28, 2026.