Sandra Jeanne Braychak-Metcalfe, 79 of Seminole, Florida, passed away after a sudden and brief illness at Suncoast Hospice in Pinellas Park, FL, on August 2, 2021. Sandra faced the knowledge of “the imminent” with courage, grace, and her signature wit. Ultimately, she passed at peace.
Sandra was born on February 10,1942, in Bridgeport Hospital to the late George N. and Anne “Jeanne” Braychak. She grew up in Monroe, CT, with her brother Robert F. Braychak of Milford, CT (predeceased on March 2018).
Sandra attended and graduated Notre Dame High School in Fairfield, CT, in 1960. Beyond high school, she continued her education earning a Bachelor of Arts from Notre Dame of Maryland University in 1964 and a Master of Arts from Fairfield University in 1973.
Prior to moving to Florida, Sandra lived on Saint John Street near Wooster Square Park in New Haven, CT, with “the love of her life” and best friend Frederick C. Metcalfe (predeceased on October 2010). Together, they took great pride in helping restore Wooster Square Park and participating in the efforts of neighborhood activist organizations. There too in New Haven, they both also worked at SNET (now AT&T) for several decades until they retired and moved to the Sunshine State in 2002.
Sandra was a devote Catholic; being a parishioner of Saint Michael’s Roman Catholic Church in New Haven, CT, and a parishioner & lector of Saint Justine, Martyr, Roman Catholic Church in Seminole, FL. The love in Sandra’s heart and her devote faith sustained her in life and brought her the greatest comfort passing into the next.
Sandra is survived by her cherished son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Margie Metcalfe of Woodbury, CT, her grandsons, Robert and David Metcalfe of Bethlehem, CT, her sister-in-law, Marilyn Braychak of Middletown, CT, her nephew and his wife, William & Marie Braychak of Middletown, and many beloved cousins; Barbara Holcomb of Fairfield, CT, Bethe & Mark Bogues of New Fairfield, CT, Jim & Ellie Stewart of Sebastian, FL, Keith & Dineen Braychak of Oxford, CT, Mary Kaffan of North Bennington, VT, Pat Pelligrini of Milbridge, ME, and Nick & Judy Kupec of Vero Beach, FL.
A Roman Catholic Mass to commemorate Sandra’s life will be celebrated at Saint Justine, Martyr, Roman Catholic Church (10851 Ridge Rd) in Seminole, FL on August 21st 2021 at 9 am
For those who wish to further commemorate Sandra, please consider a contribution in her name to The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Ashford, CT (https://secure2.convio.net/hwgf/site/Donation2?1580.donation=form1&df_id=1580) or the Alzheimer’s Association, Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, in Clearwater, FL (https://www.alz.org/flgulfcoast)
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.serenityfuneralhomelargo.com for the Braychak-Metcalfe family.
