Obituaries

Sandra D. “Sandy” Rutherfurd, 69

Sandra “Sandy” D. Rutherfurd, 69, of Lancaster, passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2009 at Conestoga View.

She was the wife of John M. “Mort” Rutherfurd, with whom she celebrated 43 years of marriage this past June 26th. Born in Revere, MA, she was the daughter of the late Mervell G. and Marguerite Mullen Dow.

Sandy was a homemaker during the years as her kids grew up and later held many different jobs, most recently working as a demonstrator and merchandiser at many grocery stores.

She was a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church.

Sandy was a member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority and was a volunteer at the Office of Aging. A true people person, she was very involved in the Welcome Wagon and Coterie Club, serving as the Coterie Club program chairperson from Sept. 2008 to May 2009, and had been preparing to serve as the incoming president for 2009-2010.

She enjoyed the beach and boating at their summer home in Delaware, liked to shop, and enjoyed outdoor music concerts. She was a loving grandmother and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her son Shawn M. married to Tracy Rutherfurd of West Chester, PA; her daughter Lisa M. married to Bill Jones of Lancaster; her 4 grandchildren, Macy, Cooper, Gavin and Caleb; and 3 sisters: Barbara married to William Blanchard of Wenham, MA, Charlotte married to Edward Paquin of Ipswich, MA and Marilyn married to Charles Franklin of Manchester, MA. She was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Dow.

Friends will be received on Friday from 10-11AM at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 301 St. Thomas Rd., Lancaster, PA 17601, with the memorial service to follow at 11AM, the Rev. David Thomas officiating. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in her memory to St.Thomas Episcopal Church, or Hospice of Lancaster County, 685 Good Dr., Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125. Arrangements by the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home and Chapel, Lititz 560-5100. To send an online condolence, please visit www.snyderfuneralhome.com.

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Mort:
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this very difficult time.  Sandy left so many memories.  She was the Life of the Party and sure made the times so much fun to be around.
May she rest in peace and we would bet that she and Bill are up in Heaven toasting to everyone and waiting holding that glass up and saying Peace be with you and enjoy the day.
Dave & Joyce Wilhide

Dear Mort, Shawn, Lisa:
It’s with a heavy heart I send my condolences. Though I had not seen Sandy in several years, I have often heard her voice in my head when telling new friends how I became known as "Docta Futzgy". She was a very sweet woman, and seeing her always put a smile on my face. I’m sorry she is gone, but I understand she had suffered quite a bit. I hope you all can find peace in the coming months remembering her fondly and lovingly and living your lives from here forward as she would have liked.
Love,
Mike "Docta Futzgy" Fitzgerald

Dear Mort and Family,
I think I can speak for the Lancaster Kiwanis Club when I say we remember Sandy with such fondness – her always special smile and warm greetings.
I personally treasure the memories of working with her at the Kiwanis Car Show.
She helped to make a stressful busy day fun and full of laughter despite all the hard work.
I forwarded the information about her death to Maureen Gallo as I know she thought so much of Sandy and does not see Lancaster news.
Love, Light and Peace,
Tanya West, Pres Elect, Elizabethtown Kiwanis Club

I am sad for all of us who will miss "Aunties" smile, her laugh and her kind and loving ways.  She holds a special place in my heart just as she held a special place in my life for so many years.  We had a wonderful phone conversation just last month and I will cherish that always.  I am with all of you now, in spirit, especially Marilyn, just as she will be with us always in our hearts.  Love, Diane Franklin Rattray

Dear Uncle Mort, Shawn & Tracy, Lisa & Bill and all the kids:
We were saddened by the news of Auntie Sandra’s passing.  "Chancie" as I fondly called her, was always about family.  She was our connection to everyone, and we will surly miss her.
Sandra was a woman of Faith, Love and Hope. During this time of loss, God will heal your pain, know now that He has healed Sandy.
We love you all, may God Bless you and Keep you Safe,
Tracy, Brad, Ricky & Rachel, Katie & Aiden, Alex and Ted Kelly

Dear Uncle Mort, Shawn and Lisa
Our prayers and thoughts are with you!!!  Auntie was always the one who made you feel welcomed.    There was never a conversation that did not end with "When are you coming to see me in Lancaster?"  We will treasure all the time we spent with her and all of you!!!  I always knew if Auntie was coming for a visit there would be a family reunion and that meant lobster and clams for us all!!! She had a deep love for family and the importance of staying connected despite the distance between PA and MA.   May the joy she brought into your lives carry you through this time.   May God bless all all of you!
All our love,
Mary, Richard, Johnathan, Andrew & Christain Saulnier

Dear Rutherfurd Family,
I was saddened to read of Sandy’s passing.  The first time I met her in Coterie Club, she was sitting next to an empty chair, talking and laughing with her friends.  She beckoned me to sit, so I did.  I will miss her friendliness and genuine warmth.  I was so looking forward to her Presidency in our group, and told her so the last time I saw her.  She will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Lois Brown, Coterie Past President

Mort,
I was saddened to read of Sandy’s passing.  I often think about my babysitting times and how you and Sandy treated me like family.  Know that I am keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Wendy Yeager

Shawn,
I was so sorry to read of your mom’s death. I remember how much our "Dr. Futzky" used to speak so fondly of her, and he was deeply saddened when I called him to tell him I had seen the obituary in the paper. Please know you and your family are much in our thoughts and prayers.
Mr. and Mrs. Fitz

I was so sorry to hear of Sandy’s passing.  I fondly remember the days working alongside her in the Water Buggy snack bar.  She was always cheerful and smiling!
In sympathy,
Jennifer Fitzgerald Walsh
(better known as Futzkie’s sister)

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