Sandra M. Vaughan

1936 - 2021

Sandra M. (Sandy) Vaughan died on February 7, 2021 in Williamsburg, Virginia. She was 84 years old. She had been a patient of Clare Bridge Brookdale for over 5 years. She was born on March 24, 1936 to Anthony and Anna DiLucci. She was a native of Wellesley, Massachusetts and attended schools in that city. Her early years in the children's choral group at church nurtured a lifelong love of singing. Sandy was accepted as a nursing student at the New England Baptist Hospital and finished with an RN degree in 1957. During her training, an occasional patient was the Massachusetts Senator, John F. Kennedy, who was elected US president three years later. Sandy also attended Boston University and graduated with a B.S. degree in 1961. In 1959, she married her husband of 60 years, Lawrence G. (Larry) Vaughan, who preceded her in death. Three children were born to the marriage: Cheryl Vaughan Higgins, Derek Vaughan and Geoffrey Vaughan. She was very active in the lives of her children and grandchildren. While the children were young, Sandy worked part time doing private duty nursing in Wilmington, Delaware. After a move to Lafayette, Indiana in 1980, she began a career as a real-estate agent. The years there also provided opportunities for her to participate in many outstanding choral performances, particularly classics of great composers. She and her business partner Lou Johnson started their own real estate company in 1989. In 1998, Sandy was selected as Lafayette's Realtor of the Year. Following retirement in 2003, Sandy and Larry moved to Williamsburg, Virginia. This move afforded them numerous opportunities to encourage the Virginia granddaughters in schoolwork, music recitals and seemingly endless swim meets. She was a member of the Williamsburg Chapel. Although her short-term memory declined, she retained almost perfect memory of the verses of most hymns found in a typical hymnal. Sandy is survived by her children, Cheryl, Derek and Geoff; daughter-in-law, Christina; son-in-law, Randy; and her grandchildren, Meredith, AnnaBeth, Heather, Colleen and Brandon. She is also survived by her sister, Marcia Olmstead of Virginia; her beloved dog Dixie; and numerous relatives who all loved her. While her family and those who knew her will miss her, there is no doubt that she is in a better place surrounded by God's glory. Family members wish to express special thanks to the staff and management of the Clare Bridge unit at Brookdale Chambrel for their patient and capable care throughout Sandy's stay. A Memorial Service will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 (www.alz.org). Online condolences may be shared at www.nelsenwilliamsburg.com.