Patricia Sanford

Patricia Sanford passed away on July 7, 2026, at the age of 90. Born on July 7, 1936, she grew up in Montgomery, AL, graduating from Sidney Lanier High School in 1954. She majored in chemistry at Auburn University, joining the sorority Chi Omega, and graduated in 1958. While on a post-graduation tour of Europe, she married her long-time beau Brian Sanford, who was stationed with the Army in Stuttgart, Germany. After their marriage in August 1958, they moved to several different postings with the Army before Brian began his business career in industrial engineering and sales. Pat worked briefly for GE as a chemist, testing the efficacy of Tide laundry detergent in the laboratory setting.

In 1967 their daughter Elizabeth was born in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Pat then devoted herself to full-time work as wife and mother while also participating in her church handbell choir and producing a number of original pieces of art. As Brian’s career moved the family around to Kentucky, California, Chicago, and Michigan, Pat made a new home in each location and encouraged Elizabeth in her extracurricular pursuits. Pat participated in Bible studies, played bridge, and spent many summer hours outdoors in the garden.

After Elizabeth graduated college and married, Pat joined Brian on a number of international trips, including destinations in Europe, Australia, Africa, and Asia. She enjoyed photography, flower arranging, and jewelry design. Her love of color and abstract design made her an avid admirer of the glass artwork of Dale Chihuly and she and Brian made a point of seeing his public art installations wherever they went.

After Brian passed away in 2004, Pat lived on her own for nearly twenty years. She was a faithful member of Crossway Community Church in Grand Rapids, MI, where she attended ladies’ Bible study, served on the missions committee, and brought a dish to every potluck. She taught a number of church teenagers the proper work/life balance between landscape management tasks and cookie breaks and also mentored them in financial and career planning.

In September 2023 she moved to Atlanta, GA, to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren. She attended Dunwoody Community Church every week and participated in Bible studies and art and jewelry making classes. Pat was universally loved for her sweet smile and gentle demeanor. She will be greatly missed.

A family and friends visitation will be held at Leak Memory Chapel, 945 Lincoln Rd, Montgomery, Alabama 36109, on July 17, 2026, beginning at 10:00 am followed by a graveside service at Greenwood Serenity Memorial Gardens, 909 Lincoln Rd, Montgomery, Alabama 36109, at 11:00 am.