Marjorie Sanford

NAUGATUCK-Marjorie "Katherine" Louise (Beecher) Sanford, 94, passed peacefully Thursday, November 29, 2012. Marjorie was born in Seymour on September 11, 1918 and raised in Derby and Bethany, married and raised her family on Spring Street in Naugatuck, and later served as a personal care attendant for her mother and others in Bethany and Prospect. Marjorie, daughter of Harold and Martha Beecher, grew up on the Beecher homestead in Bethany with her older sister Arlene. After graduating high school, she married Earl Sanford and raised four children. Marjorie devoted herself to the care of her family. Her Pennsylvania-Dutch values and giving spirit were the substance of her daily chores and routines. She was the prototype stay-at-home mom of her generation - her life entirely engaged in providing for the needs of her children and her home. She managed to keep everyone on point despite distractions - school, after school, church, and social agendas of her children must have been dizzying. Marjorie valued family gatherings, the close and frequent contacts with immediate and extended family, the holiday and weekend traditions playing cards, exchanging gifts, graham crackers and milk, the family gathered around the TV in Bethany on Sunday evenings. She was everyone's secret Santa; she always had a gift and kind word for everyone. She was active in the United Church of Christ in Bethany, the Naugatuck Methodist Church, with the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Bethany and Naugatuck Senior Citizen Centers. For much of her elder years, Marjorie lived independently at her home in Naugatuck and then with her daughter Bonnie. Faced with age related health compromises, she received supportive and loving care at nursing homes in Waterbury and Naugatuck.

Marjorie is survived by her four children, Earle, Sandra, Bonnie, and Keat, twelve grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and her sister Arlene. One of Marjorie's most memorable characteristics was her imperturbability. No matter the urgency or perceived seriousness of pressing demands, Marjorie was the definition of a calm and peaceful demeanor. She loved to tend to the little things; she was frugal and thrifty; she never spent more than she had to; she never threw anything away. It bothered her that people were wasteful with their resources. We remember her as down to earth, always good natured, always encouraging and supportive, a goddess of patience and kindness. The family extends appreciation for the caring support provided by staff at Abbott Terrace and Beacon Brook. The family plans a private family service and a church memorial service. The Alderson Funeral Home of Naugatuck, 201 Meadow St. is handling arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Robert Veillette Special Needs Trust at the Naugatuck Savings Bank, 87 Church St., Naugatuck, 06770 care of Brian DeVito.