Mary-Dean (Savage) Sandler

Mary-Dean (Savage) Sandler of Candia, New Hampshire went home to be with her Lord on May 4, 2023 after a brief illness.

Deanie, as she was known by her friends, was born on September 21, 1936 in Boston, Massachusetts to Helen (Tracy) Savage and Richard Savage. Her childhood years were spent living in Cohasset, Massachusetts, Deering and Warner, New Hampshire. Upon graduation from Hillsboro-Deering High School, she attended Concord Commercial College attaining a bookkeeping degree.

Her working career began as the keeper of the general ledger for Merrimack County Savings Bank in Concord, and later became a Branch Manager in Contoocook. After taking time off to raise her children and follow her husband's career, she became a Culinary Arts teacher at Nashua High School working with Fred Lozier for many years. Yet, another career change came when she and her husband bought Hardie Apple Orchard in Union, Maine. She would run a very successful farmstand operation selling fruits, vegetables, and flowers to folks near and far. Soon after, they moved south to McLean and Ashburn, Virginia where she would take on the role of homemaker in support of her husband's new career.

Deanie was a prolific reader, avid gardener and fabulous cook surpassed by few, especially during the holidays. She loved to hop in the car and travel the Maine coast in pursuit of lobsters, oysters and maybe a Stoli and tonic or two. Above all, she really enjoyed her afternoon tea on a daily basis. She was a wealth of knowledge and wisdom on many fronts and loved helping the younger generation learn and grow through life. She was full of facts and strong opinions that she would share with others who would listen. Travel was in the foreground at all times. If there was an opportunity, she was first in line. She made many trips to Europe experiencing places such as Scotland (her favorite), Ireland, England, France, China, and too many more to list. She was particularly fond of the desserts in Venice.

Perhaps her greatest accomplishment in life was her family. Deanie is survived by her loving husband, Craig David Sandler, whom she met one fateful day at the bank they would both soon work at. They dated for a brief three months and eloped (much to her mother’s chagrin because it could never last!). Honeymooned in Freeport, Maine, visiting LL Bean, they married, officially, a year later with a bond lasting almost 65 years. She is also survived by her son, Mark A Sandler and daughter-in-law Michele Sandler of Bow, NH; her daughter Amy Sandler Komisarek and son-in-law Scott Komisarek of Candia, NH; grandson Riley Sandler and wife/granddaughter in law Christianne Sandler of Woodstock, Vermont; and grandson Griffin Sandler of Manchester, NH as well as many nieces and nephews.

Above all, she established herself as the Matriarch of the Sandler family. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. Deanie was never more happy than when she had her family and friends altogether for various celebrations and outings. 

A woman of tremendous faith, she loved her Catholic church with all her heart, and contributed so much to her church and town communities wherever she lived over the years trying to help those less fortunate than herself.

One could find her to be expertly styled at all times, without a hair out of place, fresh lipstick and a smile. Never one to mince words, she was a true force of nature who will be deeply missed by many.

A Mass in her honor will be held at St Peter's Church of Auburn, NH on June 9, 2023 at 10:30am. A special “thank you” to Chief McGillen and ambulance crew that assisted with Deanie’s care. In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that donations made in Deanie's name be made to the Candia Volunteer Firefighters Association, Inc, PO Box 72, Candia, NH 03034 or St. Peter’s Church, 567 Manchester Rd, Auburn, NH 03032.