Sandra Sexton, 82

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Sandra (Pellett) Sexton, 82, beloved wife of the late Kenneth Eugene Sexton, passed away peacefully Thursday, morning, August 3, 2017, at the Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, Mass., surrounded by family.

Born in Hartford, Conn., on October 20, 1934, to Dorothy and Milton Pellett Sr. of Fairfield, she was the youngest of four children: Milton Jr., Rodney, and Patricia (Pellett) Watson.

An ambitious and hard-working student, Sandy held the office of Class President for each of her four years at Roger Ludlow High School in Fairfield and was honored as class valedictorian. She excelled in academics graduating from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and proceeded to enjoy a long career as a retail pharmacist for close to 50 years. Many people would remember her as the pharmacist at Thatcher's Drug Store in the historic town of East Hampton, Conn., where she and Ken raised a family.

Sandra is survived by her three children, Melanie Glynn, Randall and Todd Sexton; and three grandchildren, Garrett Glynn, Zachary and Eliana Sexton.

She was the consummate "people person," thriving on connection and conversation with whomever sat down with her. Grateful for even the briefest of exchanges, she remembered everyone by their first name. She played bridge, was a voracious reader, enjoyed perusing antique shops, and had a knack for finding the most unusual items (which would often turn into the most thoughtful precious gifts.) She played tennis as a young adult, but suffered a misdiagnosed ankle injury that caused frustrating, crippling complications. She also was stricken with debilitating rheumatoid arthritis, limiting her mobility and lifestyle, but she rarely complained, and embraced a positive attitude.

In 2010, Sandra moved to western Massachusetts to be close to family in Lee after living in Coventry, Conn., until her husband passed. In the ensuing years, she was assisted in various ways, by family, friends, the wonderful and compassionate staff at Kimball Farms Nursing Care Center in Lenox, and especially by Laura Wetmore Sexton, a new constant in her life, her beloved daughter-in-law.

Funeral notice: Memorial donations are encouraged to be sent to the “Arthritis Foundation” in c/o the Kelly Funeral Home 3 Main Street Lee, MA 01238. A private Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, September 16, 2017, in East Hampton, Conn., for family and friends.