Billie Sandra Staub

East Lyme - Billie Sandra (Fanjoy) Staub of Niantic, died July 18, 2013, after living with Alzheimer's disease for 10 years.

She was born Dec. 23, 1931, in New London, to Raymond and Evelyn Fanjoy, who then lived on Fishers Island, N.Y.

She is survived by her sister, Ruth King of Spencer, Mass.; her seven children, Craig Staub of Waterford, Stephanie Staub of Killington, Vt., George Staub and Julianne Geraci of Folsom, Calif., Sarah and Edward Emerson of Salem, Dwight and Judy Staub of East Lyme, Sandra Staub of Southampton, Mass., and Sheryl and William Stoughton of Rohnert Park, Calif.; 19 grandchildren, Craig, Heather, Kevin, Amanda, Casey, Nathaniel, Zachary, Zoe, Emily, Jeremy, and Justin Staub, Joshua, Vanessa Brunell and Troy Emerson, Billie and Grace Lada, Shellsea, Sierra, and Savannah Stoughton; and many great-grandchildren.

Billie was predeceased by her parents; her husband, George E. Staub in 1975; her sister, Janet Gray; her brother, Ray Fanjoy; and a grandchild, Dustin Staub.

In addition to raising her seven children and helping to raise her grandchildren, Billie was a lifelong learner whose education began with Williams Memorial Institute in New London, where she excelled on the synchronized swim, basketball, and softball teams, among others. After graduating in 1950, and accepting a scholarship to Connecticut College, she left school to marry George in September, 1950.

When she became the sole provider for her family, she drove a school bus, made and sold home-baked goods and wreaths, and cleaned houses, among other jobs. She was also a scout leader, Sunday school teacher, licensed to catch lobster, and an excellent seamstress.

Billie had a 20 year career as a correctional officer at York Correctional Institution, where she learned about the civil rights movement when she transported Angela Davis to and from a New Haven courtroom. She provided evidence that contributed to improving the safety and health requirements at the prison that are still in effect and enforced today. In her retirement, Billie obtained a license as a massage therapist and practiced at The Spa at Norwich, among other places. Billie eventually earned high marks and nearly completed the requirements of a four year degree at Connecticut College. Into her 60s and 70s, she was a community activist in connection with nuclear safety and other environmental causes. Her frequent testimony at nuclear safety hearings helped make potassium iodide pills available to local residents.

Throughout her life, Billie was an extraordinary athlete, adventurer, and proponent of natural living. She played tennis, kayaked, walked, skied, skated, sailed, rode her bike, and swam, among many other activities, and encouraged her children and grandchildren to come along with her to the beach, the courts, and the mountains. When she retired from her state job, Billie lived for a year in a motor home with her sister, Janet, traveling all around the country. Billie was also a big fan of the UConn women's basketball team and a longtime friend of Bill.

The family will host a celebration of Billie's extraordinary life on a date to be announced later, after the summer crowds have gone, and near the water as she wished.

Thomas L. Neilan & Sons Funeral Home in Niantic, is handling arrangements, and the date and time of the celebration will be announced at www.neilanfuneralhome.com.