Sandra Jean Fenstermaker Kerns of Vernon, CT died peacefully on October 14^th at the age of 82 following a brief illness, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Allentown, PA to the late Ernest and Gertrude Fenstermaker, Sandie leaves her daughters, Lisa McCarthy and her husband, James of Medford, MA and Erica Congdon and her husband Russell of Stoughton, MA. She was the beloved “Grammy” to Abigail and Nathan McCarthy.

After graduating with an Elementary Education degree, Sandie taught first grade until starting her family. After settling into the Town of South Windsor, CT, Sandie met her lifelong friend and neighbor, Marge Glater. Together they founded and nurtured the Mother Goose Children’s Center for 47 years. Sandie was at her finest preparing for and conducting science experiments for all their students. She was an avid believer that something as simple as an empty egg carton could be repurposed for a science or art project.

Sandie spent this past summer in Massachusetts, close to her family, recovering from surgery after a fall. We have her assurances that she will continue to root for the UCONN Women’s basketball team and the Boston Red Sox.

Service arrangements will be announced at a later date. We are grateful to the people at the Sawtelle Family Hospice House for their loving care in the last days of Sandie’s life. Please consider making a donation in her name to the Sawtelle Family Hospice House, 320 Haverhill Street, Reading, MA 01867.