I was so sorry to hear about this great loss to the world. I had the extreme pleasure of spending a few special afternoons with this extraordinary woman. Her positive our look on life  was incredibly up-lifting. Her sunshine filled my heart the minute I met her.  Thank you Sandy for making the world a sunnier place to be. Your spirit will shine on brightly. 

Thank you Wendy for introducing me to your amazing mother. 

My deepest condolences to you and your family.

Sandy-crafted birthday card sent to me in November 
Hugs to all

When our friendship began - a special memory of Sandy, Flo and me enjoying coffee and cake and good conversation 🥰

We moved to Afton in 2020 and met Sandy within days. You cannot even believe what a dream it was to have her as a neighbor. So many memories made sitting up on her deck and in her beautiful home. Sandy had an open door policy and welcomed you with open arms and a big hug ever time she saw you. She was an incredible role model. funny as can be, and a truly beautiful soul. I miss her so much and hope to live a "Sandy style" life in her honor.

I met Sandy while visiting my parents (Ken & Jeri) who live in Afton. They all went to the same church so  whenever I came home to visit I so looked forward to Sunday where I would see Sandy. It always started  with a “hey girlfriend” followed by a hug. It wasn’t only seeing her at church but at the church socials where everyone was always having a good time! Her smile was truly contagious and her spirit even more.

I am coming back to VA tomorrow to visit my family and will miss my friend Sandy so much. I am so lucky to have met such a special person who I felt like I’ve known for years.

Cheers to you Sandy and thank you for making my life better by knowing you! Sending so much love to those who she left behind for this next chapter of hers. She definitely made a footprint in all of our lives and will be so greatly missed.

I met Sandy when she started her journey as a Master Gardener in Nelson County, I work in the Extension Office and we became good friends. When ever she was in the Lovingston Area she would stop in so I could have a Sandy Hug!!
She was an amazing lady, always smiling, always loving & such a breath of fresh air to all who met her!!
I am going to do my best to "Sandy Up" in life in honor of the amazing woman who walked among us & now watches over us with her unbridled optimism shining done on us all.

As a 17 year old just out of Nelson County High School I decided to volunteer at Almost Home Pet Adoption Center.  I didn't know anyone really but I was looking forward to spending time with the animals.  My first day I walked around a little lost as to how to help.  Just as I began to think volunteering was a mistake a woman bounded in the door, a happy dog attached to her wrist.  She enthusiastically introduced herself as Sandy and from then on we were great friends.  Sandy and I would walk all the dogs at Almost Home on the days I helped and we had in depth conversations about the movies we had watched and who would be winning the Oscars that year.  Now that I think back on those memories I cherish my time I got to spend with Sandy.  She was a wonderful, unique lady and I feel so lucky that she was my friend.

Such sad news particularly as we just started discussing our Franklin High School 70th class reunion. We will share many recollections about her wonderful life. She had the most “bubbling “ personality  and participated in just about every activity available in High School.  We actually “went together “ for a little while LOL. The term “a life well lived “ was made for her journey. May she rest in eternal peace 
Wayne Gilbert

Prayers to the family
Sandy was a uplifting person whom I got to know  thru Almost home pet adoption Center. She always took time with animals and it was a joy to talk to her. 
She was an amazing person!..

My name is Judi (Scaldini) LeClair and I grew up in the small town of Franklin, Massachusetts. When I was four and a half years old my mother was looking for a babysitter. Our Minister introduced my mom to Marion Longley who had a young girl my age, Sandy!  From then on, Sandy and I were forever friends. As you all know she wasn't just an ordinary person. She was SANDY!! I will miss her forever. She was a special person, always there to help and make things better. Love you forever my dear friend.

Cheers to another wonderful moment with Sandy.

What did Sandy do when her car caught on fire?  She made friends with the DMV agent who saw the car burning on her way to work. She made friends with the car rental people.  And, she had a chance to talk her favorite topics -  Peter and his help with the insurance and Wendy who helped her buy her new car - which she painted flowers on - of course.

Sandy was a great friend and a wonderful neighbor.  She made a wonderful meal for us and our other neighbors. Of course, there was wine and laughter.

Sandy went with me to hear Tom Perriello speak.  While most people asked about his positions on issues, Sandy's question was "How can we make you President?"
Bring laughter to the room!

So grateful that our paths crossed on the way…Sandy was a true role model of living life to its fullest, bringing a basket of joy to all she encountered.  All I can say is that there must be a great welcome party going on in heaven. 🪽

Sending sincere condolences. Sandy was one of my favorite fellow Master Gardeners. Always cheerful and joyful.

I am so sorry to hear of Sandy’s passing.  So full of life!! I will miss her driving by and rolling down the window,  no matter the season,  to say hello with her bright smile!!  Such a great neighbor!!  What a loss to Afton! Rest in Peace sweet lady

Truly a Trail Angel…her journey on the Appalachian Trail was truly an inspiration to multiple generations….she had many trials and tribulations but reflected Michael Montgomery’s song the dance…”Life’s a game we learn as we go, sometimes we lead, sometimes we follow…it don’t matter what we don’t know…life’s a game we learn as we go .”

I am sure she is offering direction at the pearly gates and hoping there may be a good bottle of wine 🙏

Sandy impacted many people and for those who read Theo of Golden….Sandy was all our Theo

Sandy was truly a mentor to all of us who attended Camp Wampatuck….
We visited her in 2024 and she took us on the other ‘AT’,  the Alcohol Trail….clearly Sandy loved her family, her book club and her church group all of whom meant so much to her

Franklin High School class of 1957 sends our condolences to Sandy's family.  We met in first grade at Ray School, Sandy was our leader and a ray of sunshine to all classmates.........a friend.........kind, caring, supportive.
Our friendship continued long after high school..........Sandy attended all our class reunions and kept in touch through texts and emails, always with concern for others.
She traveled by train last August to Massachusetts and then on to Maine for a vacation with her high school buddies.........it was magical and our time with her was beautiful, full of laughter and fun.
Fly with the angels true and faithful servant and friend. We will miss you!

Dearest Wendy, Peter, Grant, and all of Sandy’s  wonderful family members.    I send you much sympathy at this time and condolences for your loss. 
 She was such an example of kindness, a very loving nature, and a  real friend to all who met her.  Such a great lady!

I had the utmost pleasure of meeting Sandy just a year ago and I knew right away what a special lady she was.  She was so welcoming, kind, funny and genuine.  We had a great day enjoying wine with Wendy and friends and reflected on ever being in LOVE.
Thinking of you, Wendy and your family, friends.
Trish Geary

Sandy was like my 5th favorite aunt!   My memories of her are widespread but never dull.  She was the only person I’ve know that when ever I called, you could tell just  by her “Hello” how genuine and excited she was to hear from me.  Over the past couple years I have been sharing stupid or dirty Dad jokes.  These always made us both smile and laugh together.  Indicative of how I will alway remember her.  I will greatly miss our interactions, her laughter and the joy she brought to me through her love of life!!   I will miss you, Mitch

Thom and I had learned that her longtime friend Flo was moving away, and Sandy made sure we gathered for lunch in Tarrytown. It was just three weeks ago. As we were leaving, she put her arms around me, called me “honeybun,” held me in a tight hug, kissed me, and said goodbye. She did the same for Thom, though I don’t know what term of endearment she used for him. We didn’t understand that she was leaving and that it was a last goodbye.

For over 35 years, Sandy was a constant, joyful presence in our lives. That last visit was a gift, and we’re deeply grateful—we will cherish her memory always.

Jay

Sandy was a ray of sunshine. We knew Sandy many years through her husband, Bill. Bill was part of the PATC and worked in Shenandoah National Park taking care of the AT. We loved to see Sandy and the dogs come up to Skyline Drive. The last time we saw her, a couple weeks ago, she was coming to see Bill(ashes spread in the park). They were the cutest couple. She will be spreading her infectious joy up in heaven now. We are so blessed to have known her.

Dear Wendy and Peter, I am so sorry for the great loss of your amazing mother and a person whom I considered a very special friend. Although we didn’t see much of each other in recent years she was always in my mind one way or another. A shocking loss for me . I will miss her spirit and courage and we always had fun talking about our lives over the years. With love and in sorrow . Judy

Sandy’s obituary accurately described the very special woman that she was…add to that a most wonderful friend to so many.  I was privileged to count her as one of mine.  My sincere sympathy to her family and friends.

Hearts and Flowers and Smiles and Arts/Crafts, etc!
      Remembering dear Sandy
(This is so tricky. Just some highlights)

    *Arts and crafts— 
Homemade Christmas cards in calligraphy-addressed envelopes that sometimes spilled pine needles or glitter; stenciled green ivy leaves on the walls of her cute house, Lake Telemark NJ. And recent hand-painted flowers on her car

    *Lots of Love and kindness, and professionalism , and friendship—
Sandy watched my young daughter at her Afton home while I went to a conference, & she showed us the crafts cottage - AKA “spousal escape unit”  :-)

Sandy was my colleague in infection control at St Joseph’s hospital & medical center in Paterson NJ, both getting our CIC certifications and serving terms as APIC chapter president. In the midst of the early epidemic, she said AIDS  means Ask Immediately for Diane or Sandy.  The fear, rejection and discrimination (professional and public) didn’t faze her, she befriended an inner city little boy whose mother died — and kept this unique friendship for life. She co-founded the Comprehensive Care Center in 1985.

I have fond memories of visiting and recent holidays. And I still have her poetry book Devotions by Mary Oliver. 

Sandy has been my emergency contact for my cat Kiri. It’s all Sandy’s fault this cat is allowed in my bedroom! …Since dear Sandy said she had all her beloved animals, cats and dogs, surrounding her at night. 

Dear Sandy — Forever remembered and missed.

Thanksgiving 2026.  A wonderful family get together.  So thankful that Sandy was in my life!

OBITUARY

Sandra Longley Gallagher

August 8, 1939 – June 25, 2026

Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes & Crematory

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