Andy was born in 1936 in Syracuse, New York. Andy met the love of her life when she was 16 at a holiday party. After graduating from Skidmore college, she married Melvin W. Searls, Jr., who worked for the Commerce Department. His job took them to many foreign countries, including China. In China, Andy worked as an international transportation specialist as well as a mom to three growing sons. The family found their way to Vail where they would go to ski with family and friends. They purchased a ski condominium at the Racket Club in Vail. In 2003 they began looking for a place in the town of Frisco and built a house where Andy still lives today.
Andy’s biggest contribution to the community came from her involvement with the Summit County Community and Senior Center where she served on the Senior Housing Taskforce, which worked to create housing opportunities for seniors, so they might be able to live and stay in Summit County as they age. Due to Andy’s efforts, the Taskforce soon evolved into the creation of the Staying in Summit (S.I.S.), Senior Housing Assisted Living, a non-profit organization with a similar mission but greater profile. S.I.S. is to facilitate the development of housing and care communities for assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. They would like to also provide services allowing seniors and adults with disabilities to safely age in Summit County. As president of S.I.S., Andy and her Board are developing partnerships and community support, engaging in fundraising, and are working to obtain a suitable and viable parcel of land on which to build facilities.
In addition to being a past member of both the Senior Citizen’s Board and Timberline Adult Day Services, Andy is also involved as a volunteer with Summit Historical Society, member of the Inter-Faith Council representing the Senior Board, and an active member of St. John the Baptist Episcopal church. In her spare time, she volunteers for Meals on Wheels. She is an enthusiastic book reader and bridge player.
