Sandra Mae (Grard) Hill Obituary (1941 - 2016)

Benton, ME - Sandra Mae (Grard) Hill, 75, passed away late on Tuesday night, April 5, 2016, following a courageous battle with Lou Gehrig’s Disease, after a day of family and friends expressing their love for her. As her soul left her body for heaven a loving son was by her side holding her hand. She was born in Fairfield, ME on Feb. 28, 1941, the daughter of Lawrence and Lorena (Abbott) Grard. Sandy Mae spent her childhood growing up on the family farm in East Vassalboro, ME. In 1954, the family moved to Winslow, ME, so that she and her siblings could live near the high school, and be socially involved. Sandra was president of the Drama Club and participated in speech contests at the University of Maine. She was approached by sponsors to be a contestant in local, county and state beauty pageants. Upon graduating from Winslow High School in 1959, she immediately began attending X-ray classes at Sisters and Thayer hospitals, as well as Colby College. Having graduated in 1961, Sandra received her National Registry of Radiology. She met her future husband, Maine Maritime Midshipman William A. Hill, who was serving as an escort at the state pageant in Belfast. They were married on Dec. 31, 1960, at First Baptist Church in Waterville, ME. Together with like mind, they raised three fine sons, William, Douglas and Troy. Sandra served as a member of the Fairfield Budget Committee; and for the Blessed Hope Church Hospitality Committee and prayer circle. She also volunteered and gave of her time and support to the Rape Crisis Center. Sandra was an indomitable personality with a strong religious commitment to her Lord. One of the few times she requested the television was when the Billy Graham Crusade was aired. She found enjoyment in shopping, gardening, making Christmas bows, cleaning her home and playing cards with Eunice and Fred Palmer. She was predeceased by her parents, Lawrence and Lorena Grard; son, Douglas; and siblings: Eunice Palmer, Greta Waugh, Theresa Simpson and Bertelle Martin. Sandra looked forward to being in the presence of her Heavenly Father and being reunited with loved ones. She is survived by sons: William of Benton, ME and Troy and his wife, Kathleen of Fairfield, ME; grandchildren: Nicole, Caleb, Jarrett, Brandon, Josie, Katie and Zachary; siblings: Gary Grard and his wife Linda of Vassalboro, ME, Joan Veerman of China, ME, Claudia Mathieu and her husband Tony of Winslow, ME, Larry Grard and his wife Lisa of Winslow, ME, and David Grard and his wife Marian of Lewiston, ME. Many nieces and nephews were special to her. The family would like to thank Dr. Smith and Dr. Croswell for their visits and keeping her as comfortable as possible. Thanks to the care team: Deb, Kathy, Dawn, Bill, Gwen, Danylle, Graham, Kristin, Cindy, Roxy, and Poonam. We also recognize very dear friend, Shelley and grandchildren, Nicole and Jarrett for being there in times of need. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. at Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St. in Fairfield, ME on Saturday, April 16.