Sandra Dee Haselton born on March 29, 1960 was known by many names, Sandy, Mom, Grandma, daughter, aunt, cousin, and friend. But I think her favorite was grandma peaches, sometimes just peaches as her license plate read. She got that name from her favorite honor of being a grandma. She loved being a grandma it was her time to share with the ones she loved the joys of being a parent. She loved being a mom to four children, being able to show them her favorite camping spots, like Kampersville, and how to roast the perfect marshmallow, in which she always won every competition. Sharing the adventures of Great Escape, hiking to Sliver Lake, the car rides to unknown places, and the many trips to visit her family all of whom were special to her. Rarely did she miss a birthday or celebration for any of her loved ones or friends. Our home was always open to all of our family for holidays or special events. It was not odd to see our driveway filled with cars from all the family and friends here. She brought all these values and child hood memories to us from her parents James and Marion Haire.
The four kids were her life. Everything she did was for them, Amy, Nicki, Becky, and Adam. She would always make sure they would have all they needed; a value she made sure they knew was important, that necessities first, and fun second. Each one of her kids have a unique personality, but they each found a way to connect with her. She gave them advice to suit their crisis and a good lecture when they had messed up. They loved her and enjoyed every moment with her. Her love continued when each of her eight grandchildren were born.
She had a close bond with her mother and helped care for her over the years. Whether it was appointments, shopping, or someone to lean on. They had daily conversations that only a mother and daughter could have. They both cared deeply for each other and when one was in need the other would be there. She grew up with a loving father who predeceased her and shared her love of sweets. She was the youngest of four kids, two sisters and one brother.
One of her career highlights was 11 years at Digital where she earned employee of the year as an accountant. She then spent 25 years in her favorite job (and sometimes demanding) as a bus driver at Chittenden east supervisory union. She was adored by her students as much as she adored them. She loved sharing her special moments with her special kids with her family when she got home. She was blessed to start her bus career with Adam behind her and ended her last two years with Becky as co-pilot.
Her only love was Alvin Haselton. The man she fell in love with, the one who swept her off her feet. They made promises on October 14, 1978 to love and stay together through sickness and health and that they did. They enjoyed long rides and many trips from local shopping trips where my dad learned to love clearance shopping! To going to Pennsylvania to see the Gettysburg to their first cruise or getting sunburns in St. John. She always wanted Dad to take her to Jamaica for their next trip. Alvin’s promise held strong of sickness and health. Sandy fought a long and painful battle with Non-alcoholic cirrhosis for the past 6 years. The last year and a half was the most painful. She fought long and hard but Alvin never left her side. From here at home to Boston he always held her hand, and provided her with a voice when she had none, to being her nurse. He was her strength. Until the very end when she lost her fight on June 23, 2017.
Sandra is survived by her husband Alvin, her mother Marion, her brother Michael, her children Amy, Nicole, Rebecca, and Adam. Her eight grandchildren Samantha, Justin, Johnathon, Trent, Haven, Cassandra, Ada, and Nora, and two on the way, and her beloved chihuahua’s Buddy and Emma. She was predeceased by her father James.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, June 29, 2017 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at A. W. Rich Funeral Home – Essex Chapel, 57 Main Street, Essex Junction, VT 05452. Funeral services will be held on Friday June 30, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Binghamville United Methodist Church with Reverend Ellen Ravelin officiating. Burial will follow in the family lot in Binghamville Cemetery, Fletcher. The family also invites you to view further information and share your memories by visiting www.awrfh.com.