Sandra Catherine Bard

Sandra Catherine (Vadnais) Bard, 73, of Harwinton, CT, passed away on Saturday, December 7, 2024. Sandy, or Meme as she was known to her family and friends, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family after being diagnosed with cancer in early October. Sandy was born July 21, 1951, in Waterbury, CT, she was the daughter of the late Catherine Dora (Gugliemetti) Sforza and Leo Joseph Vadnais.
Sandra Catherine Vadnais married Donald Fred Bard on September 4,1971, at The Immaculate Conception Church in Terryville, CT. They went on to have two children, Lori Catherine Bard Pelletier (husband Michael Pelletier) of Bradford, VT and Donald Alfred Bard (wife Tina Marie Bard) of Terryville, CT, 4 grandchildren, Alyssa Marie Bard Teddick (husband Paden Teddick) of Torrington, CT, the late Christopher Donald Bard of Terryville, CT, Cole James Griffin (Wife Kennedy Marie Zuzick Griffin) of Torrington, CT and Jessica Catherine Griffin of Bradford, VT, and 1 great grandson, Liam Christopher Teddick. She also leaves behind her 3 brothers, Robert Joseph Vadnais (wife Antoinette), Joseph Leo Vadnais and the late Steven Vadnais, sisters, Alice Lawler of Wolcott, CT, Janet Haley of Pennsylvania, Donna Wontroski of Florida and Joan Taylor of Terryville, CT along with many nieces, nephews and her cherished cousins.
Sandy graduated from Mattituck Community College in 1981. She then started her career at Aetna Casualty and Life Insurance Company, where she worked her way up the ladder through her hard work, dedication and impeccable sense of work ethics to account executive, handling national clients such as Exxon Mobile, UPS, as well as the Texas Teachers Union. During the latter years of her employment, she traveled regularly for work. One of her favorite things to do was to explore new places and meet new people.
During her career at Aetna she made many friends, one woman in particular, Paula Gerth. Sandy and Paula loved to visit NYC and Chicago during the holiday season and would often take trips to the city to see a play, site see, shop and even have High Tea at the Waldorf Astoria.
Paula wasn't Sandy's only travelling buddy. She enjoyed many adventures with her cherished cousins on cruises, island-hopping, white-water rafting and exploring the caves of exotic places. She cherished her trips to Washington State while visiting family and experiencing all that region of the country had to offer.
Meme took great pride in her home where she kept a perfect lawn and beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. That is where you would find her on a summer's night after work and dinner, outside tending to her flowers and home. Full of dahlias, gladiolas, zinnias, pansies, petunias and so much more.
Meme's greatest treasure was her family, whether by birth or not, you were a part of her family. She loved them all so unconditionally. If you were her family, you'll never forget the Meme "look".
The holidays were always Meme's favorite time of year. She loved to decorate the house to a "T" and cook up a storm. Every gift was perfectly wrapped with her love.
Meme didn't miss a graduation, school concert, playoff game or Grandma's luncheons at school. She hosted baby and wedding showers for her children then her grandchildren. Meme lived for her family.
She stood by her children and grandchildren through some of the toughest and most cherished times of their lives. You could always stop in at Meme's house for a cup of tea and a good shoulder to lean on or cry on. She had a way of giving advice without giving advice. You were always guaranteed to walk away feeling a little better. Her endless wisdom will be missed tremendously by her family, especially her children and grandchildren. (And her classy sense of style)
Memorial services will be held Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the Scott Funeral Home, 169 Main St, Terryville, CT from 12-2 PM with a service at 2 PM. Memorial flowers can be sent to the funeral home.
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