March 24, 1928 – April 25, 2023
Barbara Ruth Sands passed away peacefully at age 95 on April 25, 2023, while in residence at the Maple Leaf Health Care facility in Manchester, NH.
Barbara was born March 24, 1928, in Winchester, MA, to the late George Thomas and Ruth (Norman) Standbridge and was the sister of George Standbridge, Jr.
She grew up in Reading, MA, and attended Mount Ida College in Newton, MA. Married to her husband, Philip H. Sands for more than 60 years, they raised five children at their home in Tewksbury, MA.
With a natural aptitude for music, Barbara became an excellent pianist and accompanist. A dedicated and creative teacher, she taught piano lessons to hundreds of children during a lengthy career, some of whom became professional musicians. She served as an officer in the Music Teachers National Association in both local and state chapters. As an organist, Barbara directed her church’s junior choir and accompanied their senior choir for nine years.
In addition to her musical talents, Barbara was an avid writer, and many of her literary contributions were published in various magazines and newsletters. She was an active member of the local writer’s club and volunteered with the Tewksbury Town Library. She and her husband enjoyed collecting over 1200 old books, including some first editions. In 2000, Barbara self-published ten copies of her book entitled “A Legacy of Words”, a collection of her lifetime stories and poems for the family to treasure.
A long-standing member of PEO (a philanthropic women’s education organization), Barbara served as president of her local chapter from 1995-1996. She was actively involved in raising money to support Cottey College in Missouri, a private women’s college owned and supported by PEO.
Among her multitude of interests, Barbara enjoyed handcrafts such as fine sewing, cooking, knitting and cartooning. As a young woman, she was active in community theatre during four years with the Virginia Players. Known for her quick wit, warm smile and generous spirit, Barbara loved introducing younger family members to the joys of listening to music, reading books and enjoying a pot of hot tea with a freshly baked scone.
Barbara is survived by her three daughters: Marsha Sands, Julie Sands and Gwendolyn Goguelet as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is predeceased by her husband, Philip H. Sands, her daughter, Donna Sands and her son, Gregory Sands.
The memorial service for Barbara Sands will be held at Conte Funeral Home at 17 Third Street in North Andover, MA on May 12 at 10 a.m.
For directions or to offer online condolences, please visit contefuneralhomes.com.
