Sandra C. Cabell

RUTLAND - Sandra C. "Sandy" Cabell, 85, of Rutland, Vt., died Sept. 10, 2025, in Rutland.
She was born in Bellows Falls, Vt., on July 21, 1940, the only daughter of Mary H. (Dey) Cabell and Walter C. Cabell.
Sandy spent her early childhood in Grafton, Vt., schooled in a one-room brick schoolhouse, until her family moved to Rutland. She graduated from Rutland High School in 1958 and maintained a lasting connection with classmates through every reunion since.
She studied English at the University of Vermont before continuing her education in Boston, where she focused her interests in fashion retailing, interior design and the arts. She spent her college summers as a waitress in Kennebunkport, Maine, beginning a lifelong attachment to the southern Maine coast.
After two years at Jordan Marsh Co., where she was an executive trainee at the famed department store, she left Boston to marry and subsequently moved to Maine. In Kennebunk, Sandy established deep roots in the arts community, working at the Brick Store Museum and contributing to the restoration of several historic homes. Her love of interiors expanded as she immersed herself in the antiques trade, frequenting the region's auctions and sales and owning her own antiques shop for 10 years. She was active in real estate and also taught English in the Kennebunk school system and Adult Education Program.
Nearly 30 years later, Sandy returned to Rutland in 1989. Her longtime interest in oil painting further blossomed, and she studied through art courses and workshops, painting still life, landscapes and abstracts. She continued to paint through her final weeks.
Her passion for interiors was matched by her love of the outdoors. A devoted landscaper and gardener, she earned Master Gardener certification with the UVM Extension program and taught classes for the New England Wild Flower Society. Her early roots in Grafton influenced her involvement with forestry and woodland management, further connecting her to family forestland she owned and cherished.
Her enthusiasm for photography coincided with her love of travel, and her adventures in Kenya, Tanzania, Europe and elsewhere yielded not only striking photographs but long-lasting friendships with like-minded solo adventurists. Her worldwide travels continued until her health declined.
Sandy loved German Shepherds, silk neck scarves and silver bracelets, Häagen-Dazs rum raisin ice cream, hydrangeas and hostas, Kennebunk beaches, moving artwork from wall to wall (and back again) and a very particular shade of green. She will be remembered as the most stylish woman in every room - and for her quick wit, generous heart, forthright opinions and inimitable humor.
Sandy is survived by her sons, Carrington H. (Bette) Smart of Delray Beach, Fla., and Timothy S. Smart of Renton, Wa.; her brothers, Lawrence C. (Sarah) Cabell of Craftsbury and Richard L. Cabell of Shelburne; her niece, Lauren M. Cabell; and her nephews, Christopher C. Cabell and Richard C. Cabell.
Her son, Kimball W. Smart, predeceased her in 1965 at less than one year of age. Her former husband, Daniel W. Smart of Naples, Maine, also died on Sept. 10, 2025.
Arrangements are through Aldous Funeral Home in Rutland, and a private service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sandy's memory to BAYADA Hospice Fund, 190 South Main St., Suite 2, Rutland, VT 05701.