WESTBROOK — Sandra (Sandy) Towle passed away suddenly [in March] while at her winter residence in Oriental, North Carolina. She was born on Dec. 9, 1941, to Lewis and Gladys Parker in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, and grew up in Cumberland, Rhode Island, where she studied piano at an early age.
After moving to Presque Isle, Maine, she completed high school and enrolled at the University of Maine in Presque Isle, and earned a B.S. in education. Sandy was married to Gordon Towle that year and taught in Old Town the following year. The next year the family moved to Lafayette, Indiana, for Gordon to attend graduate school at Purdue. During that time, Sandy taught in the Tippecanoe School Corporation.
After graduate school the family, now with son Kalen, moved to Coppenhagen, Denmark, where they enjoyed immersion in another culture and language, with many opportunities to travel throughout Europe. A transfer back to the U.S. (Delaware) ensued after three years abroad. Sandy obtained a teaching position in Wilmington, Delaware, and was able to continue her studies and finish a master’s degree in education.
photo c/o Fishers Island School
In 1982 the family moved to Niantic and then to Westbrook. Sandy accepted a teaching position with the Fishers Island School, where she taught in the lower grades and assisted with the school’s music program. Sandy was the accompanist for many of the school’s drama and choral productions and is fondly remembered for leading the morning sing each day before class.
The ferry ride to and from Fishers Island each day was sometimes challenging but became a social event with Sandy acting as “boat mother” to some of the younger students. Sandy continued her music and sang for several years with Capella Cantorum.
Sandy is survived by her husband Gordon, her sister Nadiene and husband Rodney Brewer in Presque Isle, Maine, and her son Kalen in Napolean, Michigan. Sandy will be greatly missed by all who knew this wonderful woman with the warmest personality and kindest spirit.
A memorial service is planned for later this spring.
Shore Publishing’s www.zip06.com
Published March 21, 2018
