ALTON, NH - Sandra J. Lindley, 71, of Alton Bay, NH, passed away June 3, 2016 after a courageous 6 month battle with cancer, at home in the company of family.
She was born in Lynn, Massachusetts on March 5, 1945, to the late Ralph and Dorothy (Smith) Pearson. She lived in Lynn, Saugus and Lynnfield as a youth, and Lynnfield, North Andover, and Alton Bay New Hampshire as an adult.
She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years Jim, daughter Debbie, son Jim Jr., granddaughter Stephanie, brother Kurt, and numerous extended family members and friends spread across the country.
Sandy initially spent her years at home focused on raising her two children to be productive members of society. In the mid 1970s she earned her real estate broker’s license and worked as a broker selling real estate in the greater North Andover area. In the early 1980s, she accepted a position at Merrimack College as an Administrative Assistant, progressing through the Admissions and Student Services offices, eventually being asked to work in the Office of the Vice President.
In the 60’s, Sandy and Jim took their children boating on the ocean, often cruising to Crane and Wingaersheek Beach. Throughout the late 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s, she spent many weekends year round, and many summer vacations, at her parent’s cottage on the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, enjoying snowmobiling, swimming, boating and water skiing with her immediate and extended family.
Upon retirement in 2002, Sandy and Jim initially enjoyed life by the pool at their home in North Andover, but were soon drawn back to Lake Winnipesaukee. They moved to Alton Bay in 2004, and enjoyed many spring, summer, and fall days exploring the lake in the family boat – this was Sandy’s favorite activity. They also spent many days touring the White Mountains, Vermont, and Maine over the years, spent weeks touring the continental US via car on numerous trips, often visiting National Parks, and went on a number of cruises, including to Hawaii and the Mediterranean.
A lifelong avid reader, Sandy always had a book in progress. She spent her retirement winters with Jim in Naples, Florida, making many new friends that they kept in contact with and traveled to visit once back in New Hampshire.
No wake or funeral services will be held.
Donations in her memory should be made to the American Cancer Society, Two Commerce Dr, Ste 110, Bedford, NH 03110.
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Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements.