Groton - Sandra J. "Sandy" Banks, 84, of Groton passed away April 2, 2022, at New London Rehab and Care of Waterford. Sandy was born in New London Jan. 31, 1938, to Mildred Chesbro Banks and William F. Banks of Noank.

Sandy graduated from Stonington High School in 1956. After graduating, she worked at Electric Boat, then later at Pfizer. Talented at knitting, sewing, and crafting, she belonged to the "Pocket Ladies", a group of friends dedicated to making quilts and lap blankets, then donating them to various local organizations. She loved following the UConn Huskies women's basketball team, watching at every opportunity.

Most proud of her "girls", Sandy is survived by daughters, Melissa (Bruce) Junkins of Alfred, Maine and Samantha (Buddy) Schroeder of Groton; her two grandchildren, Tyler and Hayley; and her two great-granddaughters, Maci and Emery. She leaves behind her loving sister, Susan Smith of South Carolina. Sandy was predeceased by longtime partner Charles Winkler of Groton.

A private family remembrance will be held. Please visit www.byles.com to sign the online register or to share a memory.

Memorial donations in Sandy's name may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Apr. 10, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Sandra Banks

Sponsored by Byles Memorial Home - New London.

9 Entries

Catharine Lenihan Danie

April 26, 2022

So sorry to read of Sandys passing. I was friends with her in Stonington high school. She was such a happy person . God Bless her.

Jan Miller

April 14, 2022

Very Sad to read of Sandra’s passing ~~ She and I maintained a Friendship for MANY years and always took time for a Hug and great conversation when we would run into one another !! I will sincerely miss her ~ May she R.I.P. ~ Jan Miller

Pamela Kromidas

April 13, 2022

I have Wonderful memories of my childhood with aunt Sandy and uncle George

Eleanor and Frank Scussel

April 11, 2022

My dear friend, Sandy, I will miss her with all my heart. One of my special friends, she is with the angels now and not suffering. Melissa, Samantha, you know how much Mom meant to me, my heart is heavy with knowing I won't see that smiling face again. Please know I'll have Sandy in my thoughts and prayers.

Jo Anne Byington Faraci

April 11, 2022

Melissa and Samatha my deepest sympathies to you all with the passing of your beloved Mother. We worked together at the Pfizer Credit Union. I remember the day she said "It´s going to be a walk in the park day" meaning it was going to be a slow day! The minute she said it we got slammed and it was busy the entire day! We all looked at your Mom and said she wasn´t allowed to say that again!! We laughed a lot and enjoyed working together! My deepest sympathy. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers! Much love to you all!

Norma Combs

April 10, 2022

My deepest sympathy to Sandra's family. The special times we shared at Noank Elementary School are not forgotten.

Lorraine Desnoyers

April 10, 2022

Dear Samantha and family.

I am so sorry to hear about Sandy's passing. I was out of town and recently found out upon my return. Your mom was a lovely woman and always a joy to see and talk to when I would go see my mom at New London Rehab. Thank you for all your kindness that you extended to my mom during your visits. My deepest and heart felt sympathies go out to you and your family at this time.

God Bless,
Lorraine
(Marie's daughter)

Mary Jane Panebianco

April 7, 2022

Dear Melissa and Samantha, we send our love and deepest sympathy to you for the loss of your Mom and my Aunt. My Mom and Dad are deeply regretful that they can not be there to celebrate the life of Sandra with you.
Sending our prayers and love to you.
Mary Jane

Ray Hamilton

April 5, 2022

Dear Melissa, Bruce, & the entire circle of Sandy’s family ‘n’ friends,

Bruce and I have worked together, through a SUBMEPP-to-Electric Boat partnership, for many years. Reading about Sandy...she sounds delightful.

Though I didn’t know Sandy, having lost both parents myself, I fully understand the hole left behind by a mom, grandmom, ‘n’ friend, regardless forewarning; pray this helps some wee bit...to allow...enable... the grief! Grief that will come...indulge it...it is necessary, but it is, also, a measure of the impact this lost love had on your life...a yardstick against which that love can be measured! So truly sorry to hear about your mom. Definitely keepin’ y’all in my prayers that Christ hold you close in this trying time!

When my mother died, even after a years-long battle with cancer, I was shattered by the loss...inconsolable...she was my mentor! BUT, "If your faith assures you she's in heaven, then what are the tears all about?!?" I hold eternity with God a precious, cherished, and hard-won prize...but...in the interim, the answer lies below.

SELFISH TEARS
(I EULOGIZE MY BELOVED MOTHER - MARCH, 1989)

Today we cry...must admit they're selfish tears.
You see...our faith assures your journey's done.
But it's not for you we mourn, at all, my dear;
It's for those of us you've left behind...alone!!!

We share your joy...share your happiness at rest,
Your painful fears now for forever stilled.
You've fought the good fight, passed the final test,
But you've left behind a hole that can't be filled!!!

So, until we each rejoin you some someday,
And, while your memory buoys us through those years,
We'll miss you...but continue on our way,
And, from time to time, we'll cry our selfish tears!!!

Ray Hamilton ~*~ March 19, 1989

My sincerest condolences...fondest prayers,

(-=< Ray >=-)