Sandra Jane Darling was born Nov. 10, 1943, in Sanford Florida, passed away peacefully with family by her side on March 30 in Peterborough.

She was affectionately called “Sis” by her brothers and sister and extended family.  Sandy was a committed and loving wife to her husband Richard Darling of 43 years. She was known as Nonnie to her grandchildren Hannah and Ben Garfinkle. She rarely missed a game for her grandchildren.  She also enjoyed spending time with her step-grandchildren Shawn, Kyle, and Logan Thibault.

She leaves behind her children Gretchen Booth-Thibault and husband Erik, stepson Dale Darling and wife Joan, stepdaughter Heather Garcia and husband Felix, son Garret Booth, brother Don Pavlik and wife Terry, her sister Kathy Buckland and husband Bob, her sister-in-law Phyllis Pavlik and nieces and nephews along the East coast.

She is predeceased by her parents, John and Ruth Pavlik, and brother David Pavlik. 

Sandy was raised in Newport and her entire life’s focus was dedicated to teaching and caring for others. After graduating from Keene State College with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education she earned a master’s in education from SUNY New Paltz.  She touched the lives of generations of students in Athens and Catskill, NY and Brookline. Sandy was the President of the Brookline NH Teachers Association and member of New Hampshire Association of Police Chief Wives, a member of the Hollis Woman’s Club, Hollis Garden Club, and Senior Warden at her church, CASA volunteer, member of the Gate City Striders and Wadleigh Library volunteer. 

Sandy was an accomplished runner compiling an impressive list of 5 and 10K races, numerous half marathons, and at age 61 a full marathon. She also spent many years as an active member of the Monadnock Milers. Sandy’s proudest accomplishment was completing the 500-mile Camino de Santiago in Spain with a trusted friend at the age of 73. 

Her strength, courage and passion for life will never be forgotten, and we are all truly blessed for having been loved by her.

SERVICES: Calling hours will be held on Friday, April 5, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm Street, Milford. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 6, at 10 a.m. in the Church of Our Savior, 10 Amherst Street, Milford. Burial will be private in the Athens Rural Cemetery, Athens, NY.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association in her name or Compassus Hospice Care in Bedford.

Arrangements are in the care of the Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm St., Milford. To share a memory or offer a condolence please visit www.smith-heald.com for more information.