MASHANTUCKET: Sandra Jean (Hayward) Daggett, 72, of Mashantucket died unexpectedly at home on Saturday, February 19, 2022. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Donald E. Daggett who died in 2019, as well as her son, Michael Daggett who died in 2007.
Sandra was born in New London on April 23, 1949, the daughter of Richard H. and Theresa Hayward. Her fathers military career took their family on travels from coast to coast. She was a resident of Groton, CT where she began her family but later returned with her family on the Mashantucket Pequot Reservation.
Sandra was a very hard-working woman. She was one that helped in the rebirth of Mashantucket starting with the garden, maple sugaring, and swine project. She assisted with the first phase of (HUD) housing, clearing lots and landscaping. She worked tirelessly through the Tribes Federal Recognition to do whatever was needed. She worked at the Tribe’s first enterprise (Mr. Pizza) in 1983. She helped set-up and start the first High Stakes Bingo Hall followed by setting up and operating the Tribe’s first Native American retail store in 1992. She then helped design, set-up, and operate the MPMRC retail store. Following her retirement from the Tribe, she became the proud owner of Sandy's Lighthouse Bar and Grill in Misquamicut RI where she remained for many years until her full retirement in 2019. She loved all of her extended beach family and will be greatly missed by them all.
Sandra loved spending time at her home on the beach and spending time with all her family. She cherished each and every one them from her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, to her siblings, nieces, and nephews! She loved doing puzzles, playing Yahtzee, and watching games shows. She was an avid New England Patriots fan and son Steve’s biggest music fan! Sandra absolutely loved going to Steve’s shows, dancing, and listening to him sing.
She is survived by her son Steven Daggett of Mashantucket, and daughters Lisa Garner and Sherrie (Roger) Allen of Ledyard. She is also survived by her siblings Richard (Carol) Hayward, Susan Whipple, Theresa (Bob) Bell, Cynthia (Mike) Hayward, Belinda (Gary) McKeon, Patricia (Larry) Byron all of Mashantucket and Robert (Rebecca) Hayward of Colchester. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Freddie, Breanna, Sierra, Jordan, McKyia, Matthew, Tannor, Alexis, Brendan, Michael Jr., Taylar, Teagan, Roger III, Darian, Andrew, and Michaela, as well as 7 great grandchildren whom she cherished and loved dearly. She is also be sorely missed by her beloved fur babies Shelby and Timba.
In addition to her husband and son, Sandra is predeceased by her brother, Rodney Hayward.
A Funeral Ceremony will be held on Saturday, February 26, at 2:00 p.m. at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum, 110 Pequot Trail, Mashantucket followed by burial in Avery-Stoddard Cemetery, Ledyard.
Donations in her memory may be made to the Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center.
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