WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – Mary P. Sanford, 92, of Stone Circle, formerly of Ball Avenue, passed away peacefully on November 27, 2024 at the Samaritan Medical Center with her family by her side.
Mary was born to Joseph R. and Blanche Rose (Dunlevy) Peyton on May 16, 1932 in Jeffersonville, IN. She graduated from Jeffersonville High School in 1950, and in 1953 graduated from the Norton Memorial Infirmary School of Nursing, where she was employed for a short time. While nursing at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Louisville, KY she met Douglas M. Sanford, and the couple married on June 12, 1954. Mary worked as a nurse while Doug was attending medical school. He then served with the United States Medical Corp. for nine years. When he was honorably discharged in 1967 the couple moved to Watertown and Doug became a partner in the Watertown Ear, Nose and Throat Group.
Mary gave her time and talents in various ways to the community. She has served the Auxiliary to the Medical Society of Jefferson County for over 30 years. From 1975 until 2003 Mary served the Auxiliary of the House of the Good Samaritan, now the Samaritan Medical Center. Mary served on the Board of Directors, volunteered with Twig activities and with fundraising plays the auxiliary produced. From 2000-2003 she served on the Samaritan Keep Home Board of Directors.
Mary enjoyed playing golf at the Ives Hill Country Club, with her husband or in the Ladies League. Mary also performed with the Northern Choral Society. From 1972 until 2001 she was an active member of the Watertown Musicales. She served as a performing member and on the Board of Directors. Mary also volunteered for the production of the New York State Scholarship Pageant from 1983-1992, and represented the local chapter as a delegate to the Miss America Pageant. Since 1983, she has been a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, Chapter AI. She served the organization as a board member and delegate to the state and international conventions. In 1992 she was the first female recipient of the Watertown Rotary Club’s Paul Harris Fellowship Award.
Mary was a dedicated member of First Presbyterian Church since 1967. She served as an alto in the Chancel Choir, Handbell Choir, Worship and Music Committee, United Presbyterian Women, and the Board of Trustees. Mary also volunteered for the First Presbyterian Church Bicentennial celebration. In addition, Mary, along with Doug, produced the brochure of the Mosaic Celtic Cross, which described the images within the cross and their meaning along with biographical information of the cross designer Katherine Lamb Tait.
Mary was awarded the Israel A. Shapiro Citizenship Award in 2004, which was a well deserved award from all of her community service and a great source of personal pride.
Surviving are four children, Dr. Janet Peyton Sanford Kowalski, Buffalo (David), Dr. Douglas M. Sanford Jr., Rockville, MD. (Denise), David Clark Sanford, Pawcatuck, CT (Kathy), and Dr. Martha Lynn Sanford Curtin, Alfred, NY (Kevin); fifteen grandchildren; three great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. Mary cherished cottage vacations on the St. Lawrence River with her growing family for 48 years, savoring sunsets, boating, games and family togetherness. The entire Sanford clan stayed for 1-2 weeks each summer, starting in 1977. Mary also enjoyed international travel with her husband Doug, visiting over 60 countries.
Calling hours will be Friday, December 6, 2024 from 4-6pm at the D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at the First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dr. Andrew Long officiating. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.
Online condolences may be made to www.dlcalarco.com.
Contributions can be made to the Northern New York Community Foundation, to a nursing scholarship to be created in her name, 131 Washington Street, Watertown, NY 13601 or to First Presbyterian Church, 403 Washington Street, Watertown, NY 13601.
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