Maryann Sands died peacefully on February 14th in Tobey Hospital, Wareham MA at the age of 81.
Maryann is survived by her husband Philip Sands of Marion MA, and her son Scott Zuffanti and his wife Julie of Grafton MA; as well as two sisters; Winifred Pilla of Albuquerque NM, and Deborah Lovequist of Palm City FL and three brothers; Anthony Barrett of The Villages FL, Robert Barrett of Wildwood FL, and Christopher Barrett of The Villages FL.
She is predeceased by her sister Linda Polefka of Hingham MA; brother James E. Barrett, Jr. of Wayland MA; and father and mother James E. and Elna Barrett of Newton MA.
Maryann was born on September 1st, 1944 in Newton MA to James and Elna Barrett and grew up in Newton, graduating from Our Lady Help of Christians High School.
She held various jobs during her life. She was especially fond of dog grooming for show dogs and her work housekeeping and cooking for St. Catherine’s Parish in Westford MA.
Maryann loved going to the beach with her husband Phil, travelling to Maine and was an avid reader.
No services are planned at this time.
Donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/
Having recently lost my father a few weeks ago, I was equally saddened when my mother, Winnie, shared that her sister, Maryann had passed away this past Valentine’s day.
Even though I am still dealing with the sudden loss of my father, I wanted to reach out to Phil and Scott and the rest of the family to offer some comfort. And positive memories.
Although we had lost touch with each other over the years, I am grateful that Aunt Mary Ann and I had a chance to reconnect for a little while on my Birthday a few months back.
Thinking back on our telephone conversation, I was reminded of what a joyful and high spirited person she was. Always so full of life and having such an enthusiasm for life.
Mary Ann at times was almost more like a big sister than an Aunt. She always had such a positive and youthful outlook on life.
I remember the time she came to visit my Mom when we were still living in New Jersey.
This was around the spring or early summer of 1979.
I was Seventeen and I had just bought my first car. A red 1970 Chevelle convertible.
It was a “fixer upper” and I was still trying to make it reliable as a daily driver, but it ran well and looked good… from about twenty feet away.
Mary Ann congratulated me on my “new” car, mentioned that she loved convertibles and asked me to take her for a ride. Of course we had to put the top down as it was actually a beautiful day and perfect weather for a convertible.
I started to apologize for my car not being as nice as I wanted it to be, but she was like just shut up and drive!
I enjoyed showing off my first car and realized that Maryann was having just as much of a great time as I was. Her long red hair accessorized well with that red convertible!
She did not even worry about getting her hair messed up! I treasure the memory of that ride and that day.
Another great memory I have is when we would visit up in Massachusetts and I knew Maryann was going to be there, I always looked forward to her fantastic fish chowder.
I would ask my Mom why she never made Chowder like Maryann, and she replied that nobody could make Chowder like Maryann! It was that good. As my Mom likes to point out, what do you mean good? It was great!
I will miss Maryann’s great sense of humor, her smile and her infectious laugh.
I hope and pray that everyone remembers and cherishes all the good memories they had with Maryann.
May the Lord’s peace and comfort and solace be on everyone who loved Maryann.
Sincerely,
Michael D.
Mary Ann and I met while we recuperating at Spaulding Rehabin Sandwich, Mass in Jauuary.
We had become friends while we shared a room together.
One evening I met her in the dining room and played a few notes on the piano for her.
She was a very sweet woman with a great sense of humor and great insight.
I am so sorry for her loss.
I have had weeks of hospital stays due to my cancer and was just getting ready to send her an update.
She gave me her address…said she did not email.
I am so sad for her husband and son and wifewhom I met briefly.
A lovely family.
May God Bless You always