Carol B. Sands, 78, most recently of Smyrna, passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2020 with family by her side.
Born on October 5, 1941, in Cortland, Carol was the daughter of Paul E. and Wanda S. Barrows. She graduated from Oxford Academy with the class of 1960.
Carol worked at the National Bank and Trust Company in Norwich which is where she met her husband. After raising her children, she returned to work as the Office Manager for the Chenango County United Way for many years until 2000. Carol was a member of the United Church of Christ First Congregational (UCC) in Norwich for over 45 years, the UCC Treasurer for over 28 years and she also enjoyed volunteering to help assemble the UCC monthly newsletter.
On October 14, 1972, Carol married Homer James Sands and they had two children Jonathan and Nathaniel. Homer also had grown children from a previous marriage named Linda and Larry Sands. Carol, Homer and their two children lived on West Hill in Norwich until 1987 at which time they moved to Plymouth Reservoir where they lived until 2001. In 2001, Carol and Homer moved to Smyrna to be closer to their son Jonathan and his dairy farm. Carol and Homer also wintered in Summerfield, FL for many years and Carol relocated permanently to Smyrna in April 2019.
Carol was an avid gardener and she enjoyed spending time outdoors tending to her gardens and watching the birds and butterflies. She was a very skilled quilter and made numerous quilts for family and friends over the years. She was also the family seamstress helping to hem and mend countless articles of clothing. Additional hobbies included reading, doing puzzles and word searches, but most importantly spending time with her grandchildren, family and friends. Carol thoroughly enjoyed being with her grandchildren and watching them grow. She always took the time to send birthday cards and never failed to get little gifts she thought they would like. She took yearly trips to Vermont and enjoyed trips with friends and family for activities like going out to lunch, picking blueberries and getting flowers at greenhouses. Carol took over the head chef role of Thanksgiving dinners for the past several years serving multiple family members and close friends. She perfected pie making to keep everyone smiling and made sure to have special meals planned when family visited. Carol will be missed dearly, and her life will continue to be celebrated with countless great memories.
Carol is survived by her sons: Jonathan Sands and wife Tania of Smyrna, Nathaniel Sands and wife Beth of Huntington, VT and stepson Larry Sands of Stowe, VT; her beloved grandchildren Wyatt, Elliot, Ashlyn and Taylor; sister Sharon Barrows of Plymouth; brothers: Stanley Barrows and wife Donna of Oxford, Bradley Barrows and wife Carolyn of Greene; and nieces and nephews. Carol was predeceased by her husband Homer, stepdaughter Linda Sands Norton, and brother Paul Barrows, Jr.
Funeral services for Carol will be held at the convenience of her family, with interment at a later date in the Sands family plot in Afton. Arrangements will be made by family. In lieu or flowers, please consider a donation to the UCC in Norwich, the National Audubon Society, or a charity of your choice.