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Barbara H. Sanford

Barbara Sanford Obituary

Barbara H. Sanford PORTSMOUTH - Barbara Helwig Sanford, 73, of Oregon Ave., died peacefully Jan. 25, 2009, in her home, leaving behind many friends and family. Mrs. Sanford, a native of Portsmouth, was the daughter of the late Chester and Agnes Manning Helwig. She was a pharmacy technician at Portsmouth General Hospital for many years. She was a member of Saint Paul's Catholic Church. Barbara was predeceased by a son, William Paul Sanford and sisters, Betty Gordon and Donna Hedge. Survivors include her loving husband of 54 years, Charles Francis "Buddy" Sanford Jr.; a son, Charles "Tab" F. Sanford III and wife Carolyn of Chesapeake; a daughter, Peggy Sue Simmons of Eatonville, Wash.; a brother, William Helwig of Portsmouth; sisters, Patricia Russell of Chesapeake and Margaret Williams of Snellville, Ga.; grandchildren, Cris Noone, Randi Simmons and Megan Sanford. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in Foster Funeral Home, Portsmouth Chapel, by the Rev. Michael G. Boehling. Burial will follow in Olive Branch Cemetery, Portsmouth. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to Oasis of Portsmouth or Union Mission.

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Jan. 27, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Sanford

Sponsored by anonymous.

16 Entries

buddy Sanford

February 8, 2009

Barb, Evergreen , Buddy

Lois Pyles

February 1, 2009

Buddy,
Barbara and I worked many years at PGH and she was such a loving and positive person. She had a smile that could light up any room. When PGH closed, you folks starting coming to Harbour View and you would always ask for me and that would make my day. I would love talking to her about the good old days! The love the two of you shared was very obvious to all who came in contact with the two of you and I know you are going to miss her. I pray that you will find peace and comfort in knowing that others care and we hold you very close in our prayers--God Bless each of you.

Betty Reaves

January 31, 2009

I was deeply sorry to hear of the passing of your wife and sister. My family grew up with her family across the street on Oregon Avenue. Barbara was a good person and I am sure she will be missed by all her family. Take comfort in knowing she is in a better place and one day you will be reunited.

Annette Ryan

January 29, 2009

Be Still

Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.

Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.

If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.

Pat Clements

January 29, 2009

Buddy, Tab, Peggy and family: Please accept my deepest sympathies with the passing of your loved one, Barbara. We had wonderful memories back in our Portsmouth General days, during the closure and afterwards. I always think of Barbara when I hear Willie Nelson songs; Willie has lost his biggest fan. I pray the wonderful memories you have together will get you through the tough days and nights that are ahead. May ALL of you know how much you were loved by her.

Debbie Hardison

January 28, 2009

Buddy and family, You know Barbara was like another mother to me. She was there for me when things got so hectic and bad in my life. She helped to keep me "sane" and was ALWAYS there when I needed a shoulder to cry on. I am devastated to say the least. I have since moved away from the area but I have always thought of her since I left. I shall miss her deeply and more than you will know. She is at peace now and what a family reunion she is having in heaven! She was my angel many times over.

Briana & Jim Ernsting

January 28, 2009

Buddy,
You're in our hearts and prayers during this difficult time. You and Barbara always make us feel right at home when we would see you out in the yard together. We will miss seeing her warming smile. Please know that we are here, right across the street if you ever need anything. God Bless you and your family.

Sara Warren

January 28, 2009

Buddy my heart and prayers go out you and your family at this sad time. Buddy I haven't known you and Barbara very long but you both were the sweetist neighbors (the two weeks I live here every month in Portsmouth) I have ever had. We are just across the street anytime you need Brian and I. Barbara was a very sweet person and will be missed by all.

Nancy Gibson Gordon

January 28, 2009

Babby, Patricia, my mother, Lina, and I took a trip to visit Esther Ruth about a year ago. Babby kept us entertained the whole way there and back. She had that intuitive way of knowing just the right thing to say at the right time. She was so easy to be around and always made everyone feel comfortable.

Steve & Donna Hedge

January 27, 2009

I remember the first family event I was invited to, Babby made me feel like I was already part of the Family. She told Steve "I like her" and made me feel comfortable. Donna

She never missed a birthday, always sent a card on time. After my mom died she stayed in touch on a regular basis and reached out to make sure that I was doing okay and to see if I needed anything. Steve

Teresa Russo Starr

January 27, 2009

Dear Peggy, Tab, and Mr. Sanford,
Words can't express how my heart broke when I heard the news. I have to tell you that not once in 25 years did "Moms #2" miss my birthday or Christmas with a card. And once I had children, she remembered them each and every year on their birthdays. She holds a very special place in my heart. Peggy-I wish I were there with you.
With much love and memories,

Christina Farrell

January 27, 2009

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of a wonderful person. I will never forget Barbara; we worked together at Neighborcare pharmacy,she was a jem to work with and always gave great advice. She touched many lives and will be sorely missed.

Cathy Willis

January 27, 2009

My deepest sympathy and thoughts go out to Barbara's family. I worked with her at Portsmouth General and she was a great person with lots of heart. She will be missed dearly.

Bill and Denise Rosenberger

January 27, 2009

Buddy and family,
We are sorry to hear of Barbara's passing.
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Billy Ricks

January 27, 2009

My deepest sympathy to you Buddy, and your family. Whenever you come to mind, Barbara is also in my thoughts. God gave you many years together, and you were certainly the example of what Marriage and True Love is all about.
Your friend...

Nancy Kennedy

January 27, 2009

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Barbara. She was such a delightful and positive person to be around. I used to love the fudge that she made and brought to us at PGH pharmacy all the time and I used to love the Christmas cards that she sent to me every year. She was such a thoughtful and sweet person and now I just ask the Lord to wrap his arms around her family and give them strength in these hard times.

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