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Sandra Wardwell Obituary
March 1, 1940 – December 8, 2022
Sandra Zabiski Wardwell, 82, of East Hartford peacefully passed away on December 8th, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on March 1st, 1940, in Middletown, CT. Sandra was the 2nd daughter of Harry J. Zabiski and Francis M. (Dawicki) Zabicki.
Sandra was raised in Portland, CT, and graduated from Portland High School in 1957. Sandra remained lifelong friends with five ladies she met in kindergarten, Cici, Dottie, Joanie, Patty and Patty. Sandra became a longtime resident of Middletown, CT, then moved to East Hartford where she resided for the last 40 years. Sandra retired from United Technologies Corp. in 2003 where she had many successes and formed many endearing friendships. Sandra was a devoted Christian and committed to praying daily for her family, loved ones, and those in need. She loved playing cards (setback), making arts and crafts, and doing word search puzzles. Sandra's most favorite pastime was spending time with her family and friends.
She is survived by her son, Christian Thomas and wife Emma, granddaughter, Devon Thomas and husband Eli, great-grandson, Elliot Lawrence, and grandson Liam Thomas. Also surviving is daughter Susan Collich and husband John, grandson J. Eric Collich and wife Catherine, and great-grandson Julian Bonilla, grandson Alexander Collich and wife Sandra, and great-granddaughter Alessia Rose Collich. Honorary son Dan Sylvester and wife Sheryl and their children; Nicole Sylvester, Zachary Sylvester and Jacob Sylvester. Sandra is also survived by sisters, Gail Bogdan, Patricia McCane, and brother, Jerome Zabiski and wife Terri. Sisters Geraldine Jacobson and Marsha Dowling predeceased Sandra. Sandra was godmother to Justin Lockhart (Tampa, FL) which she felt was an honor. Sandra was loved deeply by many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.
A Mass celebrating her life followed by a burial will be held at St. Mary's Church in Portland, CT, Friday, March 3rd, 2023, at 10:00am. A private luncheon for family and friends will follow.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sandra Wardwell
Sponsored by MiddletownPress.com.
Rob Rosati
February 2, 2024
It's hard to believe Sandy has been gone for over a year. Gone but never forgotten! Miss you Sandy!
Gina Calliva
February 2, 2024
My dear friend I shall always remember your loving and caring ways . You are in my thoughts and prayers . Gina C,
Gina Calliva
April 19, 2023
Sandi was the most thoughtful person. I miss her with all my heart and I shall never forget her a wonderful friend .
Gina Calliva
Patricia Weidl
February 28, 2023
I also wish to offer my condolences to Sandra's family. She certainly cherished them all. You are all very blessed to have had such a wonderful Mother, Grandmother and Sister .
Patricia Weidl
February 28, 2023
I will always cherish the friendship I had with Sandra. She had to be the kindest person I have ever known & she will always remain in my heart. Happy birthday in heaven tomorrow Sandra. I sure do miss talking to you. Love, your lifelong friend Patty Weidl
Carleen Austin
February 20, 2023
Sandi was truly a sweetheart. I so enjoyed our friends get togethers at her house where our little group would order food from Anna's and talk and laugh the night away. Sandi laughed and smiled with her heart and I will miss her forever.
Carleen Austin
Theresa Cadorette
February 19, 2023
Sandy was such a wonderful person. We had Sandy as a neighbor for 40 plus years she was the best neighbor you could ask for we will miss her dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends we are so sorry for your loss.
Mary, Theresa and John
Rob Rosati
February 19, 2023
Sandi was a dear friend. We worked together for years at IAE/P&W before she retired, and then afterwards a group of friends would meet periodically to share our friendship. The last few years we would meet at Sandi's house where she always greeted us with a big smile! She will be missed by so many! My deepest condolences to her family!!!
Dorothy Mathieu
February 16, 2023
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Ann Pettee
February 16, 2023
I have just learned the very sad news that my dear friend Sandi has passed away. What a beautiful human being she was. Sandi was devoted to her family, prayed constantly for all those she loved and she shared her many talents with everyone. Rest in peace dearest Sandi - you will be so missed.
My deepest sympathy to Christian and Susan. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Ann Pettee
CYNTHIA J MORSE
February 15, 2023
To the family of Sandi. My condolences go out to all of you. She was a wonderful friend and co-worker. Love and miss you my dear friend.
Cindy Morse
Tricia Ackerman
February 11, 2023
Gail and Patty, so sorry for your loss. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Barbara Landry NewHampshire
February 11, 2023
My sincere condolences to Gail Pat Jerome the ENTIRE family and ALL Sandra held dear.
Sandra had pleasant demeanor and always had that deep dimpled smile to greet you. The Zabiski girls, much like counterpart, McGetrick girls, were the envy of we underclassmen who SO wanted to emulate starched crinolines flared skirts and sneakers with white polish. Just when our young dreams were to materialize, the nuns of St Mary's decided uniforms are "vogue".
So loved our brief encounters while waited for Pat to walk to school together. Sandra's basketball cheerleading days appears to have transitioned well into advocate for many in her adult life. All of us who crossed paths with Sandra in our lifetime are indeed blessed.
Pat Raczka
February 10, 2023
Pat, so sorry for the loss of your sister. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May she find everlasting peace.
Cecilia Adams
February 10, 2023
Pat McCane and family: So very sorry for the loss of your beautiful sister, Sandra. Your family will be in my prayers in the coming days. Jack and Cece Adams
Karen L Hurd
February 8, 2023
Susan and family, I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. May she soar with the angels.
Karen Fazzino Hurd
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