Sandra Jane Bolger

Sandra Jane Bolger, affectionately known as Nana, died peacefully on Friday, October 18th at Baystate Wing Hospital in Palmer, just 5 days shy of her 90th birthday. A 60-year resident of Barre, Sandra moved to Cedarbrook Village in Ware in 2022. 

Sandra married the late Joseph E. Bolger on Nov 22, 1956. Together, they had 4 children and 9 grandchildren: Tracey McDonald and her partner Marty Stevens and her children Rachel, Garrett, Lauren; Heidi Johnson and her husband Bob Johnson and her son Jack; Darcy Lohr and her partner Christopher Flynn and her children Carly and Chase; and Brent Bolger and his wife Paula Bolger their daughter Sydney.  She leaves many beloved Ahlin and Bolger relatives who reside near and far, in the United States and Canada. 

Sandra is predeceased by her husband, Joseph E. Bolger; sister Judith F. Wilson; and brother Richard W. Ahlin. She is also predeceased by her son-in-law, James J. McDonald, and grandsons Clayton J. Lohr and Curtis W. Bolger. 

Sandra's life spanned nine memorable decades filled with love, laughter, dedication, and kindness. In her Fitchburg High School days, she was a star on the girls basketball team, although she often fouled out!  An animal lover, especially of cats, Sandra brought her two cats (Tuxedo and Cookie) with her when she moved to Cedarbrook Village. Sandra loved attending school sporting events. Even after her children graduated from Quabbin Regional High School, she continued to support QRHS teams right through and beyond the time her grandchildren were participating. 

Sandra was a dedicated public servant, who spent most of her professional life serving as an administrative assistant at Quabbin from 1981 until her retirement in 2002. From 2004-2007, she returned to work part time. Sandra's working life was a testament to her dedication, with students and colleagues alike remembering her for her funny, wise, and lighthearted nature.

A lover of travel, she often embarked on adventures, gathering memories from various corners of the globe, especially with her sister Judy, daughter Tracey, and groups from Quabbin. She enjoyed working on puzzles and playing board games, especially Yahtzee. 

Sandra spent years cheering on and supporting her husband, Joe, at motocross races throughout New England. She even attended events when Joe was injured. Sandra embraced family and included family friends in her circle. Her legacy will continue in the hearts of those she leaves behind. The family would like to thank the many wonderful, devoted care givers at Cedarbrook Village in Ware.

Sandra's life will be memorialized at Mack Family Funeral Homes - Gardner Chapel, 105 Central Street, Gardner, on Saturday, October 26, 2024.  Calling hours will be from 10 am - 12 pm with a service in the funeral home at 12 pm.  Burial will be private at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Heather Abbott Foundation or Camp No Limits in memory of Sandra Bolger. We invite you to share your memories, stories, and photographs of Sandra on her memorial page as we remember and celebrate her beautiful life. Sandra may no longer be with us in body, but her spirit, her laughter, and her love will forever remain.

Mack Family Funeral Homes- Gardner Chapel, 105 Central St, Gardner is directing arrangements.

Kevin J. Mack, Walter C. Taylor & Melissa A. McQuaid Directors.