January 23, 2013
Anderson, Sandra L.
Sandra Lee (Rietz) Anderson, a resident of Sandwich for the past twelve years, and formerly of Dedham, died Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at the Jordan Hospital in Plymouth. She was 69. Sandra was born June 1, 1943 in Boston, Massachusetts, one of the two daughters of Warren Alfred and Constance (Welsh) Rietz. She graduated from Dedham High School with the Class of 1960 and worked as an Administrative Assistant at Dedham High School, followed by Church Secretary at the Allin Church for several years, and then retiring from Needham High School where she worked in administration for fourteen years. Growing up, Sandra was a member of the Rainbow Girls, and is a member of Eastern Star Chapters in both Dedham and Sandwich. She was a dedicated volunteer for the Meals on Wheels Program in Sandwich, sometimes going out to deliver meals up to four times per week. Sandra loved her Scottish heritage, travelling to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia every year to attend the Scottish Highland Games. It was no surprise that she also played the bagpipes. In addition, Sandra was an amateur genealogist, collecting reams on paper in her never ending quest to find more relatives. Sandra was the wife of the late Ian Anderson. She is survived by her son, Glenn Gillan, and his wife Stephanie, of Carver, and their children, Zoe, Emma, Sam, Tess, and Hanna; her daughter, Lauren J. Nordahl, of Sandwich, and her children, Kyle, and his fiance Nicole DiMatteo, Rebecca, Ian, and Karina; her sister, Bette Larsen of Concord, New Hampshire; two nieces, Suzanne Lamb, and Kristina Valas; and many cousins. Visiting hours will be held Friday from 7 to 9 PM at the Folsom Funeral Home, 87 Milton Street, Dedham. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral Saturday at 11 AM at the Allin Congregational Church, 683 High Street, Dedham. Interment will be private.
Comments(12)
I was so sad to hear about Sandy. She was a kind and generous person. She leaves this world too soon and will be greatly missed by many.
To Lauren, Glenn, Bette, and all your extended family, may you know that Anne and I are with you all, in thought, and in prayer at this time.You have lost a wonderful Mom, grandmother, sister, and friend to many, from Cape Cod to the other Cape ( Cape Breton ).We will never forget her yearly treks down east, as she used to say, and the many happy hours we spent together here over the years. Although we weren’t able to make contact the past couple of years, the memories that remain will be forever cherished and never forgotten. Sandy often said that it was so bad that the miles kept us so far apart, but the phone calls and emails always kept us close together.
In closing may you remember : Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, but LOVE leaves a memory that no one can steal.
Sincerely,
Barry & Anne
So sorry for your loss.
Glen – Deepest sympathy from the entire O’Donnell family. If there is anything we can do for you and your family during this difficult time, please don’t hesitate to let us know. God Bless!
My sympathy to your family. May you find comfort in the many special memories that you shared with Sandy. I am Joan MacDonald’s daughter who remembers Sandy and Bette when I lived in Dedham at my grandparent’s house. (Angus and Alice MacDonald.
To: Lauren, Glenn, Bette & Families:
Our deepest sympathy from our family on the passing of a wonderful person and cousin.
I recall many of the summer “excursions” she made from Dedham to Breton Cove, for her “bagpipe training” at the Gaelic College, prior to my relocating to Newfoundland. Although we have not had a lot of contact over quite a number of years, we would cetainly get together for a chat if we were vacationing, at the same time, in Cape Breton.
We know the grief is great, but, we hope you will find peace in your memories of Sandy.
Sincerely,
Allister, Florence & Fanily
St. John’s, Newfoundland
Ellen and I were so sad to hear of Sandy’s passing. She was a good customer and a good friend. She would come in and order scones and treats for the friends she was visiting and she loved our mint brownies. I used to enjoy talking with her about families we both knew in Cape Breton. She was so proud of her heritage and her family. We will miss her and we are thinking of her family and the loss they must be feeling. God Bless. Sandra MacKillop Smith
To All who remember Sandy ; Loved from the time she was born, always kept in touch. Too young to go.2nd cousin Joan Winthrop(Mac Donald )& family.Regrets to all.
I am so fortunate to have had Sandy as my sister. My first memory of Sandy is when I was 3 yrs old, and I have loved and looked up to her ever since. I told her sincerely last spring that she was the kindest person I have ever known, and she really was.
I will miss my “big sis” for the rest of my life, but, I know that the Rietz sisters will be together again.
Thank you for all your kind words about my mom she was such a nice person.
Sandy was such a special person. Always had a kind word to say about anyone. She will be sadly missed but always in our hearts. We love you Sandy.
To: Glenn, Lauren, Bette & families.
Please accept our deepest sympathy on the loss of your Mother, Sister and Grandmother. We will miss her visits to Cape Breton ( Breton Cove & Birch Plain) and to Halifax.
We will always remember her thoughtfulness, her love of all things Scottish and family.
Sandra will always hold a special place in our memories and we thank her for helping us get to know members of her family and her friend, Bella.
Sincerely,
Ian, Joan & family
Bedford, NS