Sandra M. Earls

Obituary of Sandra M. Earls
Sandra Margaret Earls of Brimfield, MA, passed away peacefully on May 13th after a long illness at the age of 72.
Sandy is survived by her husband of 52 years, Geoff Earls; her daughter Jodi Powers of Holyoke; her son Aaron (Franceska) Earls of Peconic, NY, and their children Marianna, Kellen, Luis, Katie, Augustin and Andre. Sandy also leaves behind her sisters, Colleen Short, Theresa (Mark) Muska, Patricia (Leon) Jablonski, and Andrea (Kevin) Frikenberg, and brother William Porter, as well as many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Sandy was born in Worcester, MA on June 29, 1949 to William and Carolyn Sherby Porter. She graduated from Tantasqua High School in 1967, then attended nursing school at Worcester City School of Nursing. She worked as a supervising and floor nurse for many years at various healthcare centers but her gift of immense patience and compassion led her to most enjoy her time in geriatric care. She had a passion for learning and, in her forties, earned an associates degree with high honors from Quinsigamond Community College. She proceeded to a career in retail in Sturbridge, MA becoming an award winning manager for Renovator's Supply based in Millers Falls, MA. Sandy returned to nursing at Quaboag joining her daughter Jodi to end her career.
Sandy was a parishioner of St. Christopher's in Brimfield, where she was a member of the folk choir, and co-founded the children's choir. She made pilgrimages to Medjugorje with her daughter Jodi, and to Jerusalem with her husband Geoff.
Sandy had many interests, talents, passions and pursuits. She was an avid sportswoman and competitor. She played softball in the Quaboag softball league with her sisters, and later became an outstanding tennis player and golfer, playing in leagues at Hemlock Ridge and Scottish Meadows. She immersed herself in her children's youth sports, becoming Treasurer of the Brimfield Recreation committee and coaching soccer, basketball, and softball. Sandy developed a passion for gardening and filled her yard and country home with several thematic gardens. Her "Garden Tours" for family and friends were legendary. Her talents with crafts included creating floral designs from her plants, and selling her floral inspired slate paintings in local stores and fairs. She loved being close to nature, regularly camping across the US and Canada with her husband Geoff, and enjoyed international travel with trips to Ireland, England, France, and Italy.
Within the family, she was known as the "favorite aunt," "baby whisperer" and the family storyteller. Sandy had a special gift for visiting and supporting family members through health crises and hospital stays. Her greatest single passion was her family. She loved spending time with the families of her sisters and brother, and cherished her time with her children, grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, relishing in their interests and accomplishments.
The family would like to thank Krysta Santana and the other caregivers at Bear Mountain in West Springfield and Hospice of Central and Western MA for their amazing care and love for Sandy.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours at Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home on Monday, May 23rd from 4-7pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Christopher's Church in Brimfield, MA at 10:00am on Tuesday, May 24th followed by Interment at the Brimfield Cemetery. Family and friends are welcome to meet at the Funeral Home at 9:00am to join the procession to the church. The family will be hosting an outdoor luncheon at the Publick House in Sturbridge, MA immediately following our time at the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sandy's memory to the Alzheimer's Association https://www.alz.org.