Saundra “Sandie” Gelfand, 81, of Bridgeport, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 24, 2015 at her home, after a short and extremely courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Bridgeport on May 3, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Louis and Esther Levinson.
Sandie was a retired Licensed Practical Nurse and Behavior Modification instructor.
She was a longtime member of Congregation Beth El in Fairfield and a volunteer at the Jewish Home for the Elderly in Fairfield.
Sandie enjoyed spending time with her loving family and friends, and was an avid Mahjong and bingo enthusiast as well as a UCONN Women’s basketball fan.
Survivors include her children, Richard Gelfand and his wife, Marybeth, of Shelton; Patti Hollander and her husband, Seth, of Orange; adored grandchildren, Jamie Gelfand of Shelton and her fiancé, Rob Osso, and Jacob and Evan Hollander of Orange; brother-in-law Marvin Gelfand and his wife, Joann, of Easton; and numerous cousins, nieces and friends.
She was predeceased by her husband, Cy, sister Ann and brother Ory.
Her family would like to offer special thanks to the staff of the VNS of Connecticut. Also special gratitide to Sandie’s great-niece, Elizabeth Brackert, and her live-in aide, Naja Bland. Naja became a member of the family and cared for Sandie above and beyond what everyone could have imagined.
Services will take place on Wednesday at the Abraham L. Green and Son Funeral Home, 88 Beach Road in Fairfield, with interment following at Hebrew Sick Benefit Association Cemetery in Fairfield.
Shiva will be at the home of Patti and Seth Hollander in Orange on Wednesday and Thursday.
Please visit the funeral home’s website,greensfuneralhome.com for specific date and time information.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or any charity that benefits children.