Sandra Lee “Sandy” Handfield, Formerly of Barrington, Dies at 77

Sandra Lee “Sandy” Handfield, Formerly of Barrington, Dies at 77

Sandra Lee “Sandy” Handfield, 77, of Marshfield, formerly of Worcester, Barrington, Rhode Island, and Seekonk, passed away suddenly following a brief illness on December 6, surrounded by her family. 

Sandra leaves her loving husband of 55 years, Jack, and four children, Jay Hand field, Doug Handfield (Stephanie) of Duxbury, Brendan Handfield (Bethany) of Warwick, Rhode Island, and Andrew Handfield (Ashley Leone) of Riverside, Rhode Island. Sandra also leaves behind her 10 beloved grandchildren to whom she was a devoted and loving “Nana”, Jack, Taylor, Noah, Allison, Grace, Reid, Caroline, Ainsley, Logan, and Harley. She also leaves her sister, Dorothy “Dot” (Donald) Parker of Boylston, and numerous treasured nieces and nephews. She was a loyal friend and neighbor to countless others. She is predeceased by her parents, George and Muriel Durgin, and her siblings Ruth, Donald, Kitty, and Joan.

Sandra was born in 1944 in Worcester to George and Muriel Durgin. She attended Commerce High School where she met her high school sweetheart and future husband, John “Jack” Handfield. She worked alongside Jack at their family business, Airwick Professional Products for many years while raising her four boys and later spending much time caring for her grandchildren. Living and working together, she and Jack were rarely apart.

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While her children were young, Sandra enjoyed spending time with her family skiing and soaking up the sun at the lake at their home in Wilmington, Vermont, and she later enjoyed sitting on the porch or by the rocks at their home in Pemaquid Point, Maine. She was an avid reader, devouring endless books on any subject, especially biographies, where she took much interest in learning about the lives of others.

Her greatest happiness was a full house of family and friends for any reason, especially the holidays. She loved Christmas and shopping to be sure that each person’s gift was special. She found joy in giving, whether she was making a meal for a friend in need, or volunteering for Meals on Wheels. Sandra enjoyed simple pleasures such as fresh-cut hydrangeas on the table, her signature multi-colored painted toes, a beautifully set table for family dinners, or sparklers for the kids on the fourth of July.

Sandra was a loyal friend to many, including the “lunch bunch” who continued to meet after many years to share life’s ups and downs together, and countless others over the years.

Her role as a devoted “Nana” to her 10 grandchildren was an important one that she treasured greatly. From babysitting to sneaking candy, from the first day of school shopping to just sitting and talking over a freshly made tuna sandwich, Nana took much interest in each grandchild’s life and simply enjoyed their company. She will be forever missed.

Visiting hours will be Thursday, December 16, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the MacDonald Funeral Home, 1755 Ocean St. in Marshfield.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, December 17 at 10 a.m. at Holy Family Parish Church, 601 Tremont St., followed by a graveside service in the Mayflower Cemetery of Duxbury.

For online guest book, driving directions and other information visit the website MacDonald Funeral Home.