Sandra K. Gayda

Sandra Eleanor (Krampitz) Gayda, 83, of Plantsville formerly of Cheshire passed away on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at Waterbury Hospital. She was the wife of the late William S. Gayda. “Her rewards will be in Heaven”.

Born March 24, 1939 in New Britain, daughter of the late Edward and Viola (Fochtmann) Krampitz. Sandra grew up and was educated in Southington, graduating from Southington High School, Class of 1957. She continued her education at Connecticut Teachers College earning her Bachelors and Masters degrees as well as her 6th year Certificate in Education.

Sandra was an educator for many years in Southington, Meriden and Cheshire including Milldale School, Meriden YMCA Nursery School, The Hoadley Montessori School. She was the Director of Zion Christian Nursery School in Southington and retired from the Wallingford Family YMCA Learning Community at Choate.

In addition to being an educator Sandra was an avid reader, a skilled knitter and an excellent baker - we will never forget the special scarves, sweaters or slippers crafted for us over the years, Mom's apple pie at the holidays, and of course Grandma's brownies baked especially for her adored grandchildren.

She is survived by her four daughters and their husbands: Debra and Charles Caron, Jr. of Cheshire, Suzanne and David Trykowski of Southington, Patricia and Daniel Maloney of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and Cynthia and Gregory Stiegler of Warrington, Pennsylvania.

Sandra also leaves her beloved grandchildren: Charles III and William Caron of Cheshire; Katherine Trykowski of New York City; Elizabeth and Margaret Maloney of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and Thomas Maloney of Moscow, Idaho. In addition, she leaves her brother Ferdinand Krampitz and his wife Esther of North Haven; sister-in-law Frances (Gayda) Saunders of Beacon Falls and brother-in-law Andrew Gayda and his wife Lynn of The Villages in Florida as well as several nieces and nephews.

Sandra's family would like to thank the caregivers and staff of Mulberry Gardens, Glendale Complete Care and Waterbury Hospital for their loving care of her.

Her funeral will be held on Monday, January 16th at 10 a.m. at Cheshire Lutheran Church, 660 W. Main St., Cheshire. Burial will follow at Cheshire Hillside Cemetery. Calling hours will be Sunday from 12-3 p.m. at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., Southington. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children Research Hospital or the charity of the donor's choice.