Norma J. Sands

Norma Jean McClelland Sands, 93 of Jaffrey, died peacefully on October 6, 2021.

Norma was born in Rochester, New Hampshire on December 24, 1927, the daughter of Robert J. and Maude W. McClelland. Norma spent her youth in Rochester with her sister Elizabeth, many cousins, aunts and uncles. Norma had a great love of music, learning to play piano and sing a very early age. Her passion for music was always a part of her life singing in chorus in high school and later the church choir.

She graduated from Spaulding High School Class of 1945 and went on to the University of New Hampshire for a year before entering the New England Baptist School of Nursing receiving her RN in September 1949.

While at UNH Norma met Harold Sands on an arranged date. When Norma completed nursing school, she and Harold married on September 24, 1949. Norma and Harold resided in Jaffrey and Norma worked as a private duty nurse. She took a short time away from nursing to have children but returned to work at Monadnock Community Hospital two evenings a week when her children entered school.

In 1965 she was hired full time as a visiting nurse by the Monadnock VNA. She worked for the VNA until starting her own business. In 1984 she started Sandsridge Farm with her son Robert growing hydroponic lettuce for the grocery and restaurant industries. She sold the lettuce business in 2000.

Norma enjoyed painting and theater as well as family vacations camping on the Maine coast and in the White Mountains.

Norma was a long-time member of the United Church of Christ and was active in Couples Club, Choir, Triple D, as well as serving as a Deacon and Trustee. She chaired many church suppers and Bazaars. In retirement Norma drove for the American Red Cross, traveled, and spent time with her family.

Norma is survived by her three children Robert Sands and his wife Cindy, Debbie Moore, Ellen Sands and her husband Bruce Powell and by grandchildren Justin Moore, Tyler Moore and his fiancé Katy, and Devon Moore. Her first great-grandchild, Wyatt, was born on the day she passed.

A memorial service for Norma will be held in the Spring and announced at that time.