Sandra Niles Duff
HOLLIS - Sandra Elizabeth Duff, age 85, passed away on December 7, 2023 at Seal Rock Healthcare in Saco.
She was born in Dover, NH on January 14, 1938, the oldest child of B. Dana and Edith Merlene (Emerson) Bean. She graduated from Dover High School in 1956 and was a member of the National Honor Society.
During high school, Sandra worked for JJ Newbury's in the stationery department in Dover, NH. Shortly after graduation she married Charles A. Niles, Jr. on June 23. After Charlie completed basic training at Fort Dix (Army), he and Sandra moved to Washington, D.C. While in D.C. Sandra worked for the Credit Bureau while Charlie worked for Intelligence at the Pentagon. Their first child, Douglas, was born in D.C.
In 1958, they moved to Barre, Vermont and had their next two children. Sandra and Charlie moved to South Portland, Maine and had their last two children there.
While in Maine, Sandra became involved in her church choir, taught Sunday school and was a youth leader. She was a long-time member of Grace Bible Church of Gorham. She also served as a ballot clerk, was a member of the Waterboro Republican Committee, and during her early years in Vermont she served as a volunteer librarian.
In 1994 they built their dream house in Waterboro, Maine next door to their daughter Cynthia's house.
Sandra's husband, Charlie, passed away in 2009. In 2011, Sandra married Pastor Guy Duff. She and Guy moved to Hollis in 2012 where she spent the remainder of her years.
Sandra enjoyed playing tennis, swimming, crocheting, music, camping, gardening, hiking and spending time with her beloved family. She was also very passionate about her faith in Jesus Christ!
Sandra is predeceased by her first husband - Charles Niles, Jr.; her second husband - Guy Duff; brother - Alan Bean; and son Douglas Niles, Sr. She is survived by her sister Sharon Bouffard and her husband Robert; her son Douglas' wife Tammy Niles; her children - Carolyn Gendron and her husband Timothy, David Niles and his wife Kathleen, Cynthia Libby and her husband Harvey, Darren Niles; step sons - Stephen Duff and his wife Michelle, David Duff and his wife Joette, and Brennan Duff; grandchildren - Douglas Jr., David, Dana, Kayla, Daniel, Jordan, Caitlin, Christopher, Justin, Andrew, Sarah, Kara May, Benjamin, Alyssa, Joelle and Erin. Sandra also has 24 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandsons.
A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, December 12th at 1 pm at Pine Hill Cemetery, Dover, New Hampshire. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 16th at 10 o'clock am. at Grace Bible Church, Gorham, Maine.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com