Sandra R. Lewis, 80, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, devoted community member, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Thursday, August 15, 2024 after a long period of declining health. She was a resident of Barre, VT for nearly 50 years until she moved to Massachusetts in 2018 to be closer to family.

Born and raised in Lynn, Massachusetts, Sandra was the daughter of the late Reginald and Erma (Keddie) Roscoe. She was a graduate of Lynn English High School, Class of 1961.

Sandra pursued her passion for science, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of New Hampshire, graduating summa cum laude and as a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She also earned a Master of Science in Administration degree from St. Michael's College in Burlington, VT.

Sandra was a chemist with the Department of Environmental Conservation for the State of Vermont, where she made significant contributions before retiring in 2008. Her commitment to her work was matched by her dedication to her community.

A devoted member of the Barre Congregational Church, Sandra sang in the church choir, rang bells in the bell choir, was a member of the finance committee, was an active participant in the Women's Fellowship, served on the Scholarship Committee and provided meals to the Good Samaritan Haven.

Her love for music extended beyond the church, as she was also a member and eventually officer of the BarreTones, an a cappella competitive singing group. She especially enjoyed traveling with the group for international competitions.

Sandra's commitment to service was evident in her earlier years as a Girl Scout Leader for Barre's Troop 444 and as a member of the Vermont Girl Scout Association.

She was elected to the Barre City School Board for 3 terms and served one term as Chairman. She was a member of Vermont School Board Association, serving for one term as treasurer.

She treasured the camp she and Howard purchased on Lake Bomoseen in Hubbardton, VT in 1976 where the family spent summer weekends and vacations. In later years Sandra and her sister returned to Ossipee Lake where they had spent many happier summer vacations as children. She especially enjoyed kayaking at sunset.

She cherished the camaraderie of the Traveling Circle of Friends in Central Vermont and enjoyed many international vacations. She was an avid gardener, proudly earning the title of Master Gardener.

In addition to her many talents, Sandra found pleasure in sewing, knitting, painting, playing the piano and swimming. Her creativity and love for life were evident in everything she did.

Sandy was extremely proud of her 4 grandchildren. She generously arranged trips so they could have cousin time together.

Sandra's warmth, kindness, and unwavering commitment to her family, friends, and community will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and a life well-lived.

She was predeceased by her husband, LTC Howard C. Lewis in 1987 and her son David H. Lewis in 2007. She leaves her daughter, Donna Macauley and her husband Craig of Marlborough, MA; brother Bruce L. Roscoe and his wife Peggy of Merrimack, NH; sister Donna L. Roscoe of Concord, NH; and daughter-in-law Joy K. Lewis of The Villages, FL; four grandchildren, Kira R. Macauley of NY, NY; Jared H. Lewis of Waterbury, VT; Faith J. Lewis of Vienna, Austria; Kevin C. Macauley of Madison, WI; and seven nephews and nieces.

Sandra's family would like to express gratitude and thanks to the staff of The Gardens in Williamstown, VT; New Horizons in Marlborough, MA and The Artisan in Hudson, MA for providing compassionate care and support to Sandy.

Funeral services and burial will be held in Barre, Vermont on Saturday, September 7 at 11:00 am at the Barre Congregational Church, 35 Church Street, Barre, VT with a reception to follow.  All are invited to sign Sandra's online guestbook at collinsfuneral.com.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to:

BarreTones at https://barretonesvt.com/

in care of Susan Klien, PO Box 1506, Waitsfield, VT 05573

Or

Vermont Army National Guard Charitable Foundation at https://vtngcharitable.org/donate/

789 Vermont National Guard Road, Colchester, VT 05446

Funeral arrangements in Massachusetts are under the direction of the Collins Funeral Home, 378 Lincoln Street, Marlborough, MA.