Sandra Gagne ... enjoyed knitting, backgammon; at 80

ROCHESTER - Sandra Dawn Gagne, of Rochester, died on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at the age of 80. She was born on Nov. 14, 1942, in Manchester, eldest daughter to Arthur Guy Wilson and Ardis Elizabeth Rowe.

Affectionately known as Sandi, she was predeceased by her brothers Arthur Wilson and Wayne Young, sister Helen Smith, and Maurice Gagne, father to her surviving children Deborahlyn Gagne, David Gagne and Dawn Oreal, their partners in life Dennis Martin, Carl Sessa, and Rob Oreal, grandchildren, Heather Gagne, partner Brandon Stuart, Alysen Brown, Izabella Oreal, and Ethan Oreal, and great grandchildren Jordan, Tyler, and Kailyn Stuart. Also surviving are sister Linda Roberts, sisters in law Florence Sherman and Ann Gagne, along with beloved nieces and nephews, and many lifelong friends.

A warrior in life, Sandi conquered both a mid-life heart attack and cancer. She enjoyed spending time in her family circle, all of whom she deeply loved; particularly fond of hosting sleepovers with the young ones, she was also a devoted attendee of their sporting events, recitals, and other endeavors. She delighted in games of all types, particularly scrabble, cards, and backgammon, and shared her passions of ballet and reading with her children. As a creative spirit, she made clothes for herself, her friends, and family, and was comforted by a lifetime of knitting. She balanced the personal and the professional, while prioritizing home life, and advocating for a variety of charities. Having travelled a great deal as an adult, one of her fondest memories was of the city of Paris, enjoyed with her son David and granddaughter Heather. A politically aware feminist, Sandi volunteered for the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign, and continues to proudly hang a Mayor Pete poster in her home. Sandi has been surrounded by love and will continue to be so. Memories of her will forever be a blessing to her loved ones.