Vernon Obituary: Sandra Dower, 71

Sandra “Sandy” Jean (Shanks) Dower, 71, beloved wife of Lawrence "Larry" Dower, of South Windsor, passed away peacefully with her family by her side at Yale New Haven Hospital on August 2, 2017.

Sandy was born in Boston, Massachusetts on May 14, 1946 to the late John and Mildred (Eis) Shanks. She grew up in the Boston area and married her high school sweetheart, Larry. They moved to Vernon where they spent over 30 years lovingly raising their family, before moving to South Windsor, enjoying another 15 years together, always surrounded by wonderful friends.

Sandy spent much of her life caring for children, not only hers, but also others, and loved them all dearly. She later received her Associate’s Degree from Manchester Community College, and began working as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. Sandy was an active parishioner of St. Bernard’s parish in Rockville. She joyfully served in many capacities within the church family she loved so deeply. Her family and friends were her greatest treasures and her door was always open with a warm hug, a kind and caring heart, a listening ear, and a cup of tea.

She is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Larry Dower; her son, John Dower and his wife, Lisa of New Canaan; her daughters, Deborah McCleary and her husband, Gregory of TN, Cynthia (Dower) Kiernan of South Windsor; her brother, Edward Shanks and his wife, Sharon of FL; sisters Roberta Shanks, and Dorothy Fitzpatrick, both of MA; her beloved grandchildren Grace, Evan, Morgan, and Bobby; and countless dear friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at 11 AM at St. Bernard’s Church, 25 St. Bernard Terrace, Rockville. Burial will follow at St. Bernard’s Cemetery. Sandy’s family will receive friends on Monday, August 7, 2017 at Ladd-Turkington & Carmon Funeral Home, 551 Talcottville Road, (Route 83) Vernon, from 11 AM -1 PM and again from 4:30 - 7:30 PM. At Sandy's request please consider wearing bright colors while attending the celebration of her life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Sandy’s name may be made to St. Bernard Church, 25 St. Bernard Terrace, Vernon, CT 06066 or The Smilow Cancer Center, Yale New Haven Hospital, P.O. Box 1849 New Haven, CT 06508-9979.

For online condolences and directions, please visit www.CarmonFuneralHome.com.