Sandra Jayne Willson McMurray, age 55, died after a courageous battle with Glioblastoma on November 16, 2017, in Stamford, CT.
Sandra is survived by her husband of 20 years, Richard McMurray; her son, Richie McMurray; her mother, Carol Anderson Willson, of Cos Cob; her siblings, Lauren Johnston (Thomas) of Naples, FL, and Gary Willson (Beverly) of Cos Cob; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Sandra is predeceased by her father, Jay G. Willson.
Sandra was born in 1962 in Greenwich, CT. She graduated from Greenwich High School, Norwalk Community College, and Independence University.
She worked at Stamford Hospital for more than 35 years as a Registered Respiratory Therapist and Clinical Coordinator.
Sandra was deeply involved in her community with many passions. She taught life-saving skills to others by developing community CPR and AED classes. She served at the Cos Cob Volunteer Fire Department, where she became the department’s first female firefighter and also served as a member of the Ladies Auxiliary.
Additionally, she was president of the Cos Cob Volunteer Ambulance Corporation. Sandra was a faithful member of the Diamond Hill United Methodist Church in Cos Cob and is famously known for her participation in the church’s annual chili cook-off fundraiser. She annually ran a successful Toys for Tots drive for over a decade.
She was an active member of the Cos Cob School community, volunteering as a class mother for her son’s class and playing a leadership role in fundraising activities.
Sandy was co-captain of the Medulloblasters, a team named for the brain tumor that her niece survived in 2000, which has raised thousands of dollars in the Hope in Motion walk to benefit the Bennett Cancer Center.
She also managed and played for decades on softball and volleyball teams in town. Sandy was an avid skier and boater, sun-worshiper, and a lover of Island Beach and Okemo Mountain.
Additionally, she was a dedicated member of the Mianus River Boat and Yacht Club and was the Commodore at the time of her death.
Sandy brought constant smiles to all of our faces with her zest for life, outgoing humor, and “can do” attitude. While Sandy was always about having fun, she was also a hard-working and true team player who constantly put the needs of others in front of her own. But her most favorite roll of all was being Richie’s mom. Sandy wanted to thank the countless family and friends who supported her and her boys throughout the battle. She loved you all.
A visitation will be at Leo P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, 31 Arch St., Greenwich, on Saturday, November 18, from 4:00pm-8:00pm.
The funeral is scheduled for Sandy on Saturday, December 2, at 11:00 am, at Christ Church Greenwich, with a reception to follow at the Mianus River Boat and Yacht Club. Reverend Carol Bloom will officiate. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Sandy’s life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a fund for their son Richie’s education. Donations can be sent to The Sandra McMurray Trust ℅ TD Bank, 1625 Summer St, Stamford, CT 06905